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Psilopatis I, Theocharis S, Beckmann MW. The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in endometriosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1329406. [PMID: 38690174 PMCID: PMC11058831 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1329406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis constitutes the most common cause of chronic pelvic pain in female patients and is associated with infertility. Although there is no known cause for the disease, it is a heritable condition that is determined by numerous genetic, epigenetic, and environmental aspects. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) represent nuclear receptor proteins that control gene expression. By using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases we conducted a literature review in order to look into the role of PPARs in the endometriosis pathophysiology and succeeded in revealing 36 pertinent publications between 2001 and 2022. In regards to PPAR expression in endometriosis, PPARγ seems to represent the most studied PPAR isoform in endometriosis and to influence various pathways involved in the disease onset and progression. It's interesting to note that diverse treatment agents targeting the PPAR system have been identified as innovative, effective therapeutic alternatives in the context of endometriosis treatment. In conclusion, PPARs appear to contribute an important role in both endometriosis pathophysiology and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iason Psilopatis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Matthias W. Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
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2
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Mardon AK, Whitaker L, Farooqi T, Girling J, Henry C, Ee C, Tewhaiti-Smith J, Armour M. Investigational drugs for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:347-357. [PMID: 38436301 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2326627] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysmenorrhea is the most common cause of gynecological pain among women that has considerable impact on quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal therapies are most commonly used to treat dysmenorrhea. However, given these drugs are often associated with bothersome side effects and are less effective when there is an underlying cause contributing to dysmenorrhea (e.g. endometriosis), a patient-centered approach to managing dysmenorrhea is important. Various new drugs are currently being investigated for the treatment of primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. AREAS COVERED This review provides an updated overview on new therapeutic targets and investigational drugs for the treatment of primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. The authors describe the clinical development and implications of these drugs. EXPERT OPINION Among the investigative drugs discussed in this review, anti-inflammatories show the most promising results for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. However, given some trials have considerable methodological limitations, many drugs cannot be currently recommended. Research focused on understanding the mechanisms involved in menstruation and its associated symptoms will be important to identify new therapeutic targets for dysmenorrhea. Further robust clinical trials are required to better understand the efficacy and safety of investigational drugs for treating primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia K Mardon
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, NSW Australia; IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Lucy Whitaker
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Toobah Farooqi
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Girling
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Claire Henry
- Department of Surgery & Anaesthesia, University of Otago Wellington Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn Ee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia
| | | | - Mike Armour
- Reproductive Health, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia
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3
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Bo C, Wang Y. Angiogenesis signaling in endometriosis: Molecules, diagnosis and treatment (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 29:43. [PMID: 38240108 PMCID: PMC10828998 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13167] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is one of the most common diseases among women of reproductive age. The etiology and pathogenesis of EM remain unclear and therefore there is a lack of effective treatment measures, which affects physical and mental health, as well as the quality of life of patients with EM. Angiogenesis has become a hotspot for research on the pathogenesis of EM; the role of angiogenesis‑related serological markers and anti‑angiogenic therapy in the diagnosis and treatment of EM is promising for early diagnosis and treatment of EM. Angiogenesis in EM is subject to complex regulation by hormones, immunity and associated cytokines. Therefore, novel targets for angiogenesis therapy are also being discovered and developed. The present review summarized the pathological mechanisms of angiogenesis and the value of relevant markers in pathogenesis and diagnosis of EM, along with the status of research on anti‑angiogenic drugs in the treatment of EM. The role of angiogenesis in EM provides an important reference for treatment and diagnosis, but there is no uniform non‑invasive diagnostic marker and proven strategy for anti‑angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Bo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272000, P.R. China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272029, P.R. China
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Nasr M, Kira AY, Saber S, Essa EA, El-Gizawy SA. Lactosylated Chitosan Nanoparticles Potentiate the Anticancer Effects of Telmisartan In Vitro and in a N-Nitrosodiethylamine-Induced Mice Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4758-4769. [PMID: 37585079 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Telmisartan (TLM), a BSC class II drug, has been reported to have antiproliferative activity in HCC. However, its therapeutic activity is limited by poor bioavailability and unpredictable distribution. This work aimed to enhance TLM's liver uptake for HCC management through passive and active targeting pathways utilizing chitosan nanoparticles decorated with lactose (LCH NPs) as a delivery system. In vitro cell cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies indicated that TLM-LCH NPs significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the antiproliferative activity and cellular uptake percentage of TLM. In vivo bioavailability and liver biodistribution studies indicated that TLM-LCH NPs significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced TLM concentrations in plasma and the liver. The relative liver uptake of TLM from TLM-LCH NPs was 2-fold higher than that of unmodified NPs and 5-fold higher than that of plain TLM suspension. In vivo studies of a N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced HCC model revealed that administration of TLM through LCH NPs improved liver histology and resulted in lower serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and liver weight index compared to plain TLM and TLM-loaded unmodified NPs. These results reflected the high potentiality of LCH NPs as a liver-targeted delivery system for TLM in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Nasr
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11790, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Y Kira
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt
| | - Ebtessam A Essa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31111, Egypt
| | - Sanaa A El-Gizawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31111, Egypt
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Nasr M, Kira AY, Saber S, Essa EA, El-Gizawy SA. Telmisartan-Loaded Lactosylated Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Liver Specific Delivery System: Synthesis, Optimization and Targeting Efficiency. AAPS PharmSciTech 2023; 24:144. [PMID: 37353643 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-023-02605-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a significant economic impact and a high mortality rate. Telmisartan (TLM) is a potential therapy for HCC, but it has a limited scope in drug delivery due to unpredictable distribution and poor bioavailability. The objective of this study was to prepare, design, and in vitro evaluate lactose-modified chitosan nanoparticles (LCH NPs) as a liver-targeted nanocarrier for TLM with the potential to offer a promising HCC therapy. The combination of chitosan with lactose was successfully attained using the Maillard reaction. TLM-LCH NPs were prepared, characterized, and optimized with the developed 23 full factorial design. The optimized formulation (F1) was in vitro and in vivo characterized. LCH was synthesized with an acceptable yield of 43.8 ± 0.56%, a lactosylation degree of 14.34%, and a significantly higher aqueous solubility (6.28 ± 0.21 g/L) compared to native chitosan (0.25 ± 0.03 g/L). In vitro characterization demonstrated that, F1 had a particle size of 145.46 ± 0.7 nm, an entrapment efficiency of 90.21 ± 0.28%, and a surface charge of + 27.13 ± 0.21 mV. In vitro TLM release from F1 was most consistent with the Higuchi model and demonstrated significantly higher release at pH 5.5. Moreover, a significantly higher ratio of liver to plasma concentration was observed with TLM-LCH NPs compared to plain TLM and unmodified TLM-NPs. The obtained results nominate TLM-LCH NPs as a promising carrier for enhancing liver targeting of TLM in treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Nasr
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, 11790, Egypt.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, 35712, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Y Kira
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, 35712, Egypt
| | - Sameh Saber
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, 35712, Egypt
| | - Ebtessam A Essa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
| | - Sanaa A El-Gizawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31111, Egypt
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Marchandot B, Curtiaud A, Matsushita K, Trimaille A, Host A, Faller E, Garbin O, Akladios C, Jesel L, Morel O. Endometriosis and cardiovascular disease. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL OPEN 2022; 2:oeac001. [PMID: 35919664 PMCID: PMC9242051 DOI: 10.1093/ehjopen/oeac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disease affecting 1 in 10 reproductive-age women. It is defined as the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus. Beyond this placid anatomical definition, endometriosis is a complex, hormonal, inflammatory, and systemic condition that poses significant familial, psychological, and economic burden. The interaction between the cardiovascular system and endometriosis has become a field of interest as the underlying mutual mechanisms become better understood. On the basis of accumulating fundamental and clinical evidence, it is likely that there exists a close relationship between endometriosis and the cardiovascular system. Therefore, investigating the endometriosis-cardiovascular interaction is highly clinically significant. In this review, we highlight our current understanding of the pathophysiology of endometriosis with systemic hormonal, pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, immunologic, and genetic processes beyond the peritoneal microenvironment. Additionally, we provide current clinical evidence about how endometriosis interacts with cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD). To date, only small associations between endometriosis and CVD have been reported in observational studies, inherently limited by the potential influence of unmeasured confounding. Cardiovascular disease in women with endometriosis remains understudied, under-recognized, and underdiagnosed. More detailed study of the cardiovascular-endometriosis interaction is needed to fully understand its clinical relevance, underlying pathophysiology, possible means of early diagnosis and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Marchandot
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nouvel Hopital Civil, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Anais Curtiaud
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nouvel Hopital Civil, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Kensuke Matsushita
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nouvel Hopital Civil, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, FMTS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Antonin Trimaille
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nouvel Hopital Civil, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, FMTS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aline Host
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- ENDOALSACE, Strasbourg Expert Center for Endometriosis, Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Emilie Faller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- ENDOALSACE, Strasbourg Expert Center for Endometriosis, Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Olivier Garbin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- ENDOALSACE, Strasbourg Expert Center for Endometriosis, Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Chérif Akladios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- ENDOALSACE, Strasbourg Expert Center for Endometriosis, Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurence Jesel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nouvel Hopital Civil, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, FMTS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Olivier Morel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nouvel Hopital Civil, Strasbourg University Hospital, 1 place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, FMTS, Strasbourg, France
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Nenicu A, Yordanova K, Gu Y, Menger MD, Laschke MW. Differences in growth and vascularization of ectopic menstrual and non-menstrual endometrial tissue in mouse models of endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2202-2214. [PMID: 34109385 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab139] [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: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there a difference in the growth and vascularization between murine endometriotic lesions originating from menstrual or non-menstrual endometrial fragments? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometriotic lesions developing from menstrual and non-menstrual tissue fragments share many similarities, but also exhibit distinct differences in growth and vascularization, particularly under exogenous estrogen stimulation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mouse models are increasingly used in endometriosis research. For this purpose, menstrual or non-menstrual endometrial fragments serve for the induction of endometriotic lesions. So far, these two fragment types have never been directly compared under identical experimental conditions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a prospective experimental study in a murine peritoneal and dorsal skinfold chamber model of endometriosis. Endometrial tissue fragments from menstruated (n = 15) and non-menstruated (n = 21) C57BL/6 mice were simultaneously transplanted into the peritoneal cavity or dorsal skinfold chamber of non-ovariectomized (non-ovx, n = 17), ovariectomized (ovx, n = 17) and ovariectomized, estrogen-substituted (ovx+E2, n = 17) recipient animals and analyzed throughout an observation period of 28 and 14 days, respectively. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The engraftment, growth and vascularization of the newly developing endometriotic lesions were analyzed by means of high-resolution ultrasound imaging, intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Menstrual and non-menstrual tissue fragments developed into peritoneal endometriotic lesions without differences in growth, microvessel density and cell proliferation in non-ovx mice. Lesion formation out of both fragment types was markedly suppressed in ovx mice. In case of non-menstrual tissue fragments, this effect could be reversed by estrogen supplementation. In contrast, endometriotic lesions originating from menstrual tissue fragments exhibited a significantly smaller volume in ovx+E2 mice, which may be due to a reduced hormone sensitivity. Moreover, menstrual tissue fragments showed a delayed vascularization and a reduced blood perfusion after transplantation into dorsal skinfold chambers when compared to non-menstrual tissue fragments, indicating different vascularization modes of the two fragment types. To limit the role of chance, the experiments were conducted under standardized laboratory conditions. Statistical significance was accepted for a value of P < 0.05. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Endometriotic lesions were induced by syngeneic tissue transplantation into recipient mice without the use of pathological endometriotic tissue of human nature. Therefore, the results obtained in this study may not fully relate to human patients with endometriosis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The present study significantly contributes to the characterization of common murine endometriosis models. These models represent important tools for studies focusing on the basic mechanisms of endometriosis and the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this frequent gynecological disease. The presented findings indicate that the combination of different experimental models and approaches may be the most appropriate strategy to study the pathophysiology and drug sensitivity of a complex disease such as endometriosis under preclinical conditions. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) There was no specific funding of this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nenicu
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - K Yordanova
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Y Gu
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - M D Menger
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - M W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Martone S, Troìa L, Marcolongo P, Luisi S. Role of medical treatment of endometriosis. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:304-316. [PMID: 34008385 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04784-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic benign disease that affects women of reproductive age. Medical therapy is often the first line of management for women with endometriosis in order to ameliorate symptoms or to prevent post-surgical disease recurrence. Currently, there are several medical options for the management of patients with endometriosis and long-term treatments should balance clinical efficacy (controlling pain symptoms and preventing recurrence of disease after surgery) with an acceptable safety-profile. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, being efficacious in relieving primary dysmenorrhea. Combined oral contraceptives and progestins, available for multiple routes of administration, are commonly administered as first-line hormonal therapies. Several studies demonstrated that they succeed in improving pain symptoms in the majority of patients; moreover, they are well tolerated and not expensive. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-agonists are prescribed when first line therapies are ineffective, not tolerated or contraindicated. Even if these drugs are efficacious in treating women not responding to COCs or progestins, they are not orally available and have a less favorable tolerability profile (needing an appropriate add-back therapy). Because few data are available on long-term efficacy and safety of aromatase inhibitors they should be reserved only for women with symptoms who are refractory to other treatments only in a research environment. Almost all of the currently available treatment options for endometriosis suppress ovarian function and are not curative. For this reason, research into new drugs is unsurprisingly demanding. Amongst the drugs currently under investigation, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists have shown most promise, currently in late-stage clinical development. There is a number of potential future therapies currently tested only in vitro, in animal models of endometriosis or in early clinical studies with a small sample size. Further studies are necessary to conclude whether these treatments would be of value for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Martone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Libera Troìa
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Marcolongo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy -
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Chang LC, Chiang YF, Chen HY, Huang YJ, Liu AC, Hsia SM. The Potential Effect of Fucoidan on Inhibiting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition, Proliferation, and Increase in Apoptosis for Endometriosis Treatment: In Vivo and In Vitro Study. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E528. [PMID: 33266505 PMCID: PMC7700274 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is common in reproductive-age women and its pathology is to increase proliferation and migration to enhance epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition progression (EMT). However, treatments are currently limited, so it is important to explore new therapeutic drugs. Hence, in this study, we investigate the therapeutic effect of fucoidan (FC) on the progression and mechanisms of endometriosis. The cell viability of endometrial cell lines End1/E6E7 and Vk2/E6E7 treated with different concentrations of FC were assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and cell counting. Cell migration was evaluated using wound-healing assay. In an in vivo experiment, female Balb/c mice received surgically induced endometriosis followed by different concentrations of fucoidan for 6 weeks. High-frequency ultrasound imaging was applied to detect subsequent lesion growth. The results demonstrated that fucoidan inhibited the viability and migration ability of End1/E6E7 and Vk2/E6E7 cells. Additionally, the administration of fucoidan reduced the volume and weight of endometriotic lesions, decreased inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of serum and lesions, and improved EMT proliferation and apoptosis-related protein expression. For the first time, fucoidan indicated anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects as well as inhibited EMT progression and induced apoptosis, improving endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Chun Chang
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (L.-C.C.); (Y.-F.C.); (H.-Y.C.); (Y.-J.H.)
| | - Yi-Fen Chiang
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (L.-C.C.); (Y.-F.C.); (H.-Y.C.); (Y.-J.H.)
| | - Hsin-Yuan Chen
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (L.-C.C.); (Y.-F.C.); (H.-Y.C.); (Y.-J.H.)
| | - Yun-Ju Huang
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (L.-C.C.); (Y.-F.C.); (H.-Y.C.); (Y.-J.H.)
| | - An-Chieh Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Min Hsia
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (L.-C.C.); (Y.-F.C.); (H.-Y.C.); (Y.-J.H.)
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- School of Food and Safety, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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10
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Malvezzi H, Marengo EB, Podgaec S, Piccinato CDA. Endometriosis: current challenges in modeling a multifactorial disease of unknown etiology. J Transl Med 2020; 18:311. [PMID: 32787880 PMCID: PMC7425005 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory hormone-dependent condition associated with pelvic pain and infertility, characterized by the growth of ectopic endometrium outside the uterus. Given its still unknown etiology, treatments usually aim at diminishing pain and/or achieving pregnancy. Despite some progress in defining mode-of-action for drug development, the lack of reliable animal models indicates that novel approaches are required. The difficulties inherent to modeling endometriosis are related to its multifactorial nature, a condition that hinders the recreation of its pathology and the identification of clinically relevant metrics to assess drug efficacy. In this review, we report and comment endometriosis models and how they have led to new therapies. We envision a roadmap for endometriosis research, integrating Artificial Intelligence, three-dimensional cultures and organ-on-chip models as ways to achieve better understanding of physiopathological features and better tailored effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Malvezzi
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP 05652-900 Brazil
| | - Eliana Blini Marengo
- Instituto Butanta- EstabilidadeBiotech Quality Control, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Sérgio Podgaec
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP 05652-900 Brazil
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11
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Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease that frequently leading to chronic pelvic pain, severe dysmenorrhea, and subfertility. As first-line hormonal treatment can interfere with ovulation and may cause recurrent pelvic pain, exploration of new non-hormonal therapeutic approaches becomes increasingly necessary. This review aimed to evaluate the pre-clinical and clinical efficacy and safety of non-hormonal treatment for endometriosis Data sources: Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, SINOMED, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar were searched up to October 2019, using search terms “endometriosis” and “non-hormonal therapy.” Study selection: Twenty-four articles were reviewed for analysis, including nine animal studies and 15 human trials; all were published in English. Results: Twenty-four articles were identified, including 15 human trials with 861 patients and nine animal studies. Some agents have been evaluated clinically with significant efficacy in endometriosis-related pelvic pain and subfertility, such as rofecoxib, etanercept, pentoxifylline, N-palmitoylethanolamine, resveratrol, everolimus, cabergoline (Cb2), and simvastatin. Other drugs with similar pharmacological properties, like parecoxib, celecoxib, endostatin, rapamycin, quinagolide, and atorvastatin, have only been tested in animal studies. Conclusions: Clinical data about most of the non-hormonal agents are not sufficient to support them as options for replacement therapy for endometriosis. In spite of this, a few drugs like pentoxifylline showed strong potential for real clinical application.
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Lai ZZ, Yang HL, Ha SY, Chang KK, Mei J, Zhou WJ, Qiu XM, Wang XQ, Zhu R, Li DJ, Li MQ. Cyclooxygenase-2 in Endometriosis. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:2783-2797. [PMID: 31853218 PMCID: PMC6909960 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.35128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS) is the most common gynecological disease in women of reproductive age, and it is associated with chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia and infertility. As a consequence of genetic, immune and environmental factors, endometriotic lesions have high cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) biosynthesis compared with the normal endometrium. The transcription of the PTGS2 gene for COX-2 is associated with multiple intracellular signals, which converge to cause the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). COX-2 expression can be regulated by several factors, such as estrogen, hypoxia, proinflammatory cytokines, environmental pollutants, metabolites and metabolic enzymes, and platelets. High concentrations of COX-2 lead to high cell proliferation, a low level of apoptosis, high invasion, angiogenesis, EMS-related pain and infertility. COX-2-derived PGE2 performs a crucial function in EMS development by binding to EP2 and EP4 receptors. These basic findings have contributed to COX-2-targeted treatment in EMS, including COX-2 inhibitors, hormone drugs and glycyrrhizin. In this review, we summarize the most recent basic research in detail and provide a short summary of COX-2-targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhen Lai
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yao Ha
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Kai Chang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Mei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - We-Jie Zhou
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Min Qiu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qiu Wang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Center for Human Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou 215008, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Jin Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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Pro-endometriotic niche in endometriosis. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:549-559. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Ferrero S, Evangelisti G, Barra F. Current and emerging treatment options for endometriosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 19:1109-1125. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1494154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Ferrero
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulio Evangelisti
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Barra
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Rudzitis-Auth J, Nickels RM, Menger MD, Laschke MW. Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-2 Suppresses the Recruitment of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in the Microvasculature of Endometriotic Lesions. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:450-460. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Laschke MW, Menger MD. Basic mechanisms of vascularization in endometriosis and their clinical implications. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:207-224. [PMID: 29377994 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascularization is a major hallmark in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. An increasing number of studies suggests that multiple mechanisms contribute to the vascularization of endometriotic lesions, including angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and inosculation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this review, we provide an overview of the basic mechanisms of vascularization in endometriosis and give special emphasis on their future clinical implications in the diagnosis and therapy of the disease. SEARCH METHODS Literature searches were performed in PubMed for English articles with the key words 'endometriosis', 'endometriotic lesions', 'angiogenesis', 'vascularization', 'vasculogenesis', 'endothelial progenitor cells' and 'inosculation'. The searches included both animal and human studies. No restriction was set for the publication date. OUTCOMES The engraftment of endometriotic lesions is typically associated with angiogenesis, i.e. the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. This angiogenic process underlies the complex regulation by angiogenic growth factors and hormones, which activate intracellular pathways and associated signaling molecules. In addition, circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are mobilized from the bone marrow and recruited into endometriotic lesions, where they are incorporated into the endothelium of newly developing microvessels, referred to as vasculogenesis. Finally, preformed microvessels in shed endometrial fragments inosculate with the surrounding host microvasculature, resulting in a rapid blood supply to the ectopic tissue. These vascularization modes offer different possibilities for the establishment of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Angiogenic growth factors and EPCs may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and classification of endometriosis. Blood vessel formation and mature microvessels in endometriotic lesions may be targeted by means of anti-angiogenic compounds and vascular-disrupting agents. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The establishment of vascularization-based approaches in the management of endometriosis still represents a major challenge. For diagnostic purposes, reliable angiogenic and vasculogenic biomarker panels exhibiting a high sensitivity and specificity must be identified. For therapeutic purposes, novel compounds selectively targeting the vascularization of endometriotic lesions without inducing severe side effects are required. Recent progress in the field of endometriosis research indicates that these goals may be achieved in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Michael D Menger
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Nenicu A, Gu Y, Körbel C, Menger MD, Laschke MW. Combination therapy with telmisartan and parecoxib induces regression of endometriotic lesions. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:2623-2635. [PMID: 28548231 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Telmisartan suppresses the development of endometriotic lesions. However, the drug also up-regulates the expression of COX-2, which has been suggested to promote the progression of endometriosis. Accordingly, in the present study we analysed whether a combination therapy with telmisartan and a COX-2 inhibitor may be more effective in the treatment of endometriotic lesions than the application of telmisartan alone. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Endometriotic lesions were induced in the peritoneal cavity of C57BL/6 mice, which were treated daily with an i.p. injection of telmisartan (10 mg·kg-1 ), parecoxib (5 mg·kg-1 ), a combination of telmisartan and parecoxib or vehicle. Therapeutic effects on lesion survival, growth, vascularization, innervation and protein expression were studied over 4 weeks by high-resolution ultrasound imaging as well as immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. KEY RESULTS Telmisartan-treated lesions exhibited a significantly reduced lesion volume when compared with vehicle-treated controls and parecoxib-treated lesions. This inhibitory effect of telmisartan was even more pronounced when it was used in combination with parecoxib. The combination therapy resulted in a reduced microvessel density as well as lower numbers of proliferating Ki67-positive cells and higher numbers of apoptotic cleaved caspase-3-positive stromal cells within the lesions. This was associated with a lower expression of COX-2, MMP-9 and p-Akt/Akt when compared with controls. The application of the two drugs further inhibited the ingrowth of nerve fibres into the lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Combination therapy with telmisartan and a COX-2 inhibitor represents a novel, effective pharmacological strategy for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Nenicu
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Yuan Gu
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Christina Körbel
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Michael D Menger
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Matthias W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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