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Cuffaro F, Russo E, Amedei A. Endometriosis, Pain, and Related Psychological Disorders: Unveiling the Interplay among the Microbiome, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress as a Common Thread. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6473. [PMID: 38928175 PMCID: PMC11203696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126473] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM), a chronic condition in endometrial tissue outside the uterus, affects around 10% of reproductive-age women, significantly affecting fertility. Its prevalence remains elusive due to the surgical confirmation needed for diagnosis. Manifesting with a range of symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, dysuria, dyspareunia, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort, EM significantly impairs quality of life due to severe chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Psychological manifestations, notably depression and anxiety, frequently accompany the physical symptoms, with CPP serving as a key mediator. Pain stems from endometrial lesions, involving oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, angiogenesis, and sensitization processes. Microbial dysbiosis appears to be crucial in the inflammatory mechanisms underlying EM and associated CPP, as well as psychological symptoms. In this scenario, dietary interventions and nutritional supplements could help manage EM symptoms by targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and the microbiome. Our manuscript starts by delving into the complex relationship between EM pain and psychological comorbidities. It subsequently addresses the emerging roles of the microbiome, inflammation, and oxidative stress as common links among these abovementioned conditions. Furthermore, the review explores how dietary and nutritional interventions may influence the composition and function of the microbiome, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, alleviate pain, and potentially affect EM-associated psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cuffaro
- Division of Interdisciplinary Internal Medicine, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Edda Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 50139 Florence, Italy
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2
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Oskotsky TT, Bhoja A, Bunis D, Le BL, Tang AS, Kosti I, Li C, Houshdaran S, Sen S, Vallvé-Juanico J, Wang W, Arthurs E, Govil A, Mahoney L, Lang L, Gaudilliere B, Stevenson DK, Irwin JC, Giudice LC, McAllister SL, Sirota M. Identifying therapeutic candidates for endometriosis through a transcriptomics-based drug repositioning approach. iScience 2024; 27:109388. [PMID: 38510116 PMCID: PMC10952035 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Existing medical treatments for endometriosis-related pain are often ineffective, underscoring the need for new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we applied a computational drug repurposing pipeline to stratified and unstratified disease signatures based on endometrial gene expression data to identify potential therapeutics from existing drugs, based on expression reversal. Of 3,131 unique genes differentially expressed by at least one of six endometriosis signatures, only 308 (9.8%) were in common; however, 221 out of 299 drugs identified, (73.9%) were shared. We selected fenoprofen, an uncommonly prescribed NSAID that was the top therapeutic candidate for further investigation. When testing fenoprofen in an established rat model of endometriosis, fenoprofen successfully alleviated endometriosis-associated vaginal hyperalgesia, a surrogate marker for endometriosis-related pain. These findings validate fenoprofen as a therapeutic that could be utilized more frequently for endometriosis and suggest the utility of the aforementioned computational drug repurposing approach for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomiko T. Oskotsky
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arohee Bhoja
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Bunis
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian L. Le
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alice S. Tang
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Idit Kosti
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christine Li
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sahar Houshdaran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sushmita Sen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Júlia Vallvé-Juanico
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wanxin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erin Arthurs
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arpita Govil
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lauren Mahoney
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lindsey Lang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brice Gaudilliere
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Juan C. Irwin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Linda C. Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Marina Sirota
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Ashkenazi MS, Huseby OL, Kroken G, Trocha M, Henriksson A, Jasiak H, Cuartas K, Loschiavo A, Kuhn I, Støve D, Grindahl H, Latour E, Melbø M, Holstad K, Kwiatkowski S. The Clinical Presentation of Endometriosis and Its Association to Current Surgical Staging. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072688. [PMID: 37048771 PMCID: PMC10095514 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072688] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Despite its high prevalence, the diagnostic delay of endometriosis is still estimated to be about 7 years. The objective of the present study is to understand the symptomatology of endometriosis in patients across various countries and to assess whether the severity of symptoms correlates with the diagnosed stage of disease. (2) An international online survey collected self-reported responses from 2964 participants from 59 countries. Finalization of the questionnaire and its distribution was achieved by cooperation with various organizations and centers around the globe. (3) Chronic pain presentation remarkably increased between Stage 1 and 2 (16.2% and 32.2%, respectively). The prevalence of pain only around and during menstruation was negatively correlated to the stage, presenting with 15.4% and 6.9% in Stages 1 and 4, respectively. Atypical presentation of pain was most commonly reported in stage 4 (11.4%). Pain related solely to triggering factors was the most uncommon presentation of pain (3.2%). (4) Characteristics of pain and quality of life tend to differ depending on the reported stage of the endometriosis. Further research may allow a better stage estimation and identification of patients with alarming symptomatic presentation indicative of a progressive stage, even those that are not yet laparoscopically diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Shaked Ashkenazi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ole Linvåg Huseby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Gard Kroken
- Fiskeridirektoratet, Strandgaten, 5004 Bergen, Norway
| | - Marcela Trocha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
| | - Aurora Henriksson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Hanna Jasiak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Karen Cuartas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alessandra Loschiavo
- The Department of Woman, Child, and General and Specialized Surgery, Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Isabella Kuhn
- Musculoskeletal University Center Munich, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Dina Støve
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Hanna Grindahl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Emilia Latour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Mathias Melbø
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Katrine Holstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Sebastian Kwiatkowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szcezcin, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
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Neto AC, Santos-Pereira M, Abreu-Mendes P, Neves D, Almeida H, Cruz F, Charrua A. The Unmet Needs for Studying Chronic Pelvic/Visceral Pain Using Animal Models. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030696. [PMID: 36979674 PMCID: PMC10045296 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The different definitions of chronic pelvic/visceral pain used by international societies have changed over the years. These differences have a great impact on the way researchers study chronic pelvic/visceral pain. Recently, the role of systemic changes, including the role of the central nervous system, in the perpetuation and chronification of pelvic/visceral pain has gained weight. Consequently, researchers are using animal models that resemble those systemic changes rather than using models that are organ- or tissue-specific. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using bladder-centric and systemic models, enumerating some of the central nervous system changes and pain-related behaviors occurring in each model. We also present some drawbacks when using animal models and pain-related behavior tests and raise questions about possible, yet to be demonstrated, investigator-related bias. We also suggest new approaches to study chronic pelvic/visceral pain by refining existing animal models or using new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Neto
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Santos-Pereira
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Abreu-Mendes
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Urology, Centro Hospitalar de São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Physiology and Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Delminda Neves
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique Almeida
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Ginecologia-Obstetrícia, Hospital-CUF Porto, 4100-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Cruz
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Urology, Centro Hospitalar de São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Physiology and Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Charrua
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Unveil the pain of endometriosis: from the perspective of the nervous system. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e36. [PMID: 36059111 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with pelvic pain and uncharacteristic accompanying symptoms. Endometriosis-associated pain often persists despite treatment of the disease, thus it brings a deleterious impact on their personal lives as well as imposing a substantial economic burden on them. At present, mechanisms underlie endometriosis-associated pain including inflammatory reaction, injury, aberrant blood vessels and the morphological and functional anomaly of the peripheral and central nervous systems. The nerve endings are influenced by the physical and chemical factors surrounding the lesion, via afferent nerve to the posterior root of the spinal nerve, then to the specific cerebral cortex involved in nociception. However, our understanding of the aetiology and mechanism of this complex pain process caused by endometriosis remains incomplete. Identifying the pathogenesis of endometriosis is crucial to disease management, offering proper treatment, and helping patients to seek novel targets for the maintenance and contributors of chronic pain. The main aim of this review is to focus on every possible mechanism of pain related to endometriosis in both peripheral and central nervous systems, and to present related mechanisms of action from the interaction between peripheral lesions and nerves to the changes in transmission of pain, resulting in hyperalgesia and the corresponding alterations in cerebral cortex and brain metabolism.
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6
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Tejada MA, Santos-Llamas AI, Escriva L, Tarin JJ, Cano A, Fernández-Ramírez MJ, Nunez-Badinez P, De Leo B, Saunders PTK, Vidal V, Barthas F, Vincent K, Sweeney PJ, Sillito RR, Armstrong JD, Nagel J, Gomez R. Identification of Altered Evoked and Non-Evoked Responses in a Heterologous Mouse Model of Endometriosis-Associated Pain. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020501. [PMID: 35203710 PMCID: PMC8962432 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop and refine a heterologous mouse model of endometriosis-associated pain in which non-evoked responses, more relevant to the patient experience, were evaluated. Immunodeficient female mice (N = 24) were each implanted with four endometriotic human lesions (N = 12) or control tissue fat (N = 12) on the abdominal wall using tissue glue. Evoked pain responses were measured biweekly using von Frey filaments. Non-evoked responses were recorded weekly for 8 weeks using a home cage analysis (HCA). Endpoints were distance traveled, social proximity, time spent in the center vs. outer areas of the cage, drinking, and climbing. Significant differences between groups for von Frey response, climbing, and drinking were detected on days 14, 21, and 35 post implanting surgery, respectively, and sustained for the duration of the experiment. In conclusion, a heterologous mouse model of endometriosis-associated evoked a non-evoked pain was developed to improve the relevance of preclinical models to patient experience as a platform for drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Tejada
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Ana I. Santos-Llamas
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Lesley Escriva
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Juan J. Tarin
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Antonio Cano
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Maria J. Fernández-Ramírez
- Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Paulina Nunez-Badinez
- Bayer AG. Research & Early Development, Pharmaceuticals, Reproductive Health, Müllerstr. 178, 13342 Berlin, Germany; (P.N.-B.); (B.D.L.)
| | - Bianca De Leo
- Bayer AG. Research & Early Development, Pharmaceuticals, Reproductive Health, Müllerstr. 178, 13342 Berlin, Germany; (P.N.-B.); (B.D.L.)
| | - Philippa T. K. Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK;
| | - Victor Vidal
- Faculty of Science, International University of La Rioja, Avda de la paz 137, 26006 Logrono, Spain;
| | | | - Katy Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK;
| | - Patrick J. Sweeney
- Actual Analytics, 99 Giles Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ, UK; (P.J.S.); (R.R.S.); (J.D.A.)
| | - Rowland R. Sillito
- Actual Analytics, 99 Giles Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ, UK; (P.J.S.); (R.R.S.); (J.D.A.)
| | - James Douglas Armstrong
- Actual Analytics, 99 Giles Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ, UK; (P.J.S.); (R.R.S.); (J.D.A.)
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, 10 Crichton Street, Edinburgh EH8 9AB, UK
| | - Jens Nagel
- Bayer AG. Research & Early Development, Pharmaceuticals, Exploratory Pathobiology, Aprather Weg 18a, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany;
| | - Raúl Gomez
- Research Unit on Women’s Health-INCLIVA, Institute of Health Research, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.T.); (A.I.S.-L.); (L.E.); (J.J.T.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pathology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Ding S, Yu Q, Wang J, Zhu L, Li T, Guo X, Zhang X. Activation of ATF3/AP-1 signaling pathway is required for P2X3-induced endometriosis pain. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1130-1144. [PMID: 32303740 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does P2X ligand-gated ion channel 3 (P2X3) play a role in endometriosis pain? SUMMARY ANSWER Upregulation of P2X3 in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) tissues via the activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3)/activator protein (AP)-1 pathway contributed to endometriosis-associated hyperalgesia, which could be attenuated by the chitosan oligosaccharide stearic acid (CSOSA)/liposomes (LPs)/SP600125 delivery system. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Infiltrating nerve fibers and elevated nociceptors in endometriotic lesions are associated with endometriosis pain. P2X3 has been demonstrated to play an important role in neuropathic pain. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A rat model of endometriosis was used to investigate the signaling pathways involved in P2X3-induced pain. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Degrees of hyperalgesia, endogenous adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) contents and P2X3 expression levels in endometriotic lesions and DRG tissues were detected in a rat model of endometriosis. The expression levels of ATF3 and P2X3 were measured using qRT-PCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence analysis after adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) exposure in DRG cells. Plasmids encoding ATF3 and its siRNA were used to investigate the role of ATF3 on ADP-induced P2X3 upregulation. The activity of ATF binding to the P2X3 promoter was evaluated by using chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) and luciferase assays. SP600125, an inhibitor of c-JUN N-terminal kinase, was wrapped in CSOSA/LPs delivery system and its inhibitory effects on ADP-induced upregulation of P2X3 in DRG cells and endometriosis-induced hyperalgesia in rats were tested. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The concentrations of endogenous ATP and expression levels of P2X3 were significantly increased in both endometriotic lesions and DRG tissues in endometriosis rat models and were found to be positively correlated with the severity of hyperalgesia. In DRG cells, P2X3 expression levels were elevated by ADP stimulation, but dramatically inhibited by blocking ATF3 with its siRNA and SP600125. CHIP and luciferase assay showed that ADP increased the binding of ATF3 to the P2X3 promoter, resulting in an increase in P2X3 expression levels. In the CSOSA/LPs/SP600125 delivery system, the drug could be effectively concentrated in endometriotic lesions, and it could alleviate endometriosis-induced hyperalgesia, reduce the size of endometriotic lesions and attenuate upregulated P2X3 expression levels in endometriosis rat models. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Changes in the sensitivity and function of P2X3 caused by endometriosis need to be further investigated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study indicates that ATP and the P2X3 receptor are involved in endometriosis pain, thus providing a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of endometriosis pain by targeting the P2X3 receptor. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2017YFC1001202) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 81974225, 81671429 and 81471433). There are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Ding
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qin Yu
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhang Wang
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Libo Zhu
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Li
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xinyue Guo
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xinmei Zhang
- Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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McAllister SL, Sinharoy P, Vasu M, Gross ER. Aberrant reactive aldehyde detoxification by aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 influences endometriosis development and pain-associated behaviors. Pain 2021; 162:71-83. [PMID: 32541390 PMCID: PMC7718385 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis affects ∼176 million women worldwide, yet on average, women experience pain ∼10 years from symptom onset before being properly diagnosed. Standard treatments (drugs or surgery) often fail to provide long-term pain relief. Elevated levels of reactive aldehydes such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) have been implicated in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis and upon accumulation, reactive aldehydes can form protein-adducts and/or generate pain. A key enzyme in detoxifying reactive aldehydes to less reactive forms is the mitochondrial enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2). Here, we tested the hypothesis that aberrant reactive aldehyde detoxification by ALDH2 underlies endometriosis and its associated pain. We determined, in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium of women with severe (stage IV) peritoneal endometriosis, that ALDH2 enzyme activity was decreased, which was associated with decreased ALDH2 expression and increased 4-HNE adduct formation compared to the eutopic endometrium of controls in the proliferative phase. Using a rodent model of endometriosis and an ALDH2*2 knock-in mouse with decreased ALDH2 activity, we determined that increasing ALDH2 activity with the enzyme activator Alda-1 could prevent endometriosis lesion development as well as alleviate pain-associated behaviors in proestrus. Overall, our findings suggest that targeting the ALDH2 enzyme in endometriosis may lead to better treatment strategies and in the proliferative phase, that increased 4-HNE adduct formation within the endometrium may serve as a less invasive diagnostic biomarker to reduce years of suffering in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy L. McAllister
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Pritam Sinharoy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Megana Vasu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Eric R. Gross
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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Oladosu FA, Tu FF, Garrison EF, Dillane KE, Roth GE, Hellman KM. Low Serum Naproxen Concentrations Are Associated with Minimal Pain Relief: A Preliminary Study in Women with Dysmenorrhea. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 21:3102-3108. [PMID: 32488234 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Incomplete pain relief after administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is common, but it is unknown whether malabsorption or heightened metabolism contributes to NSAID resistance. To explain the etiology of NSAID resistance, we evaluated naproxen absorption and metabolism in relation to pain relief in a pilot study of women with dysmenorrhea. METHODS During menses, participants completed before and after naproxen ingestion pain assessments. Analgesic effectiveness was calculated as a percent change in pain rating before and after naproxen administration. To evaluate the impact of malabsorption, the correlation between analgesic effectiveness and serum naproxen was analyzed. To identify whether hypermetabolism contributes to NSAID resistance, we also analyzed the metabolite O-desmethylnaproxen. RESULTS Serum naproxen and O-desmethylnaproxen concentrations of the dysmenorrheic cohort (N = 23, 126 ± 10 µg/mL, 381 ± 56 ng/mL) and healthy controls (N = 12, 135 ± 8 µg/mL, 355 ± 58 ng/mL) were not significantly different (P > 0.05), suggesting that menstrual pain does not affect drug absorption and metabolism. However, nine dysmenorrhea participants had levels of analgesic effectiveness <30%. Among dysmenorrheic women, analgesic effectiveness was correlated with serum naproxen (r = 0.49, P = 0.019) and O-desmethylnaproxen (r = 0.45, P = 0.032) concentrations. After controlling for other gynecological diagnoses, a multivariate model analysis confirmed that lower serum naproxen concentrations were associated with reduced pain relief (P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary findings suggest that poor drug absorption contributes to ineffective pain relief in dysmenorrheic women. Future studies should explore whether malabsorption contributes to NSAID resistance for other pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folabomi A Oladosu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem & Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Frank F Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem & Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ellen F Garrison
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Ilinois, USA
| | - Katlyn E Dillane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Ilinois, USA
| | - Genevieve E Roth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Ilinois, USA
| | - Kevin M Hellman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem & Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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10
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Maddern J, Grundy L, Castro J, Brierley SM. Pain in Endometriosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:590823. [PMID: 33132854 PMCID: PMC7573391 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.590823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition affecting ∼10% of women. Endometriosis is characterized by infertility and chronic pelvic pain, yet treatment options remain limited. In many respects this is related to an underlying lack of knowledge of the etiology and mechanisms contributing to endometriosis-induced pain. Whilst many studies focus on retrograde menstruation, and the formation and development of lesions in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, the mechanisms underlying the associated pain remain poorly described. Here we review the recent clinical and experimental evidence of the mechanisms contributing to chronic pain in endometriosis. This includes the roles of inflammation, neurogenic inflammation, neuroangiogenesis, peripheral sensitization and central sensitization. As endometriosis patients are also known to have co-morbidities such as irritable bowel syndrome and overactive bladder syndrome, we highlight how common nerve pathways innervating the colon, bladder and female reproductive tract can contribute to co-morbidity via cross-organ sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maddern
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Luke Grundy
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stuart M. Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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11
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Appleyard CB, Flores I, Torres-Reverón A. The Link Between Stress and Endometriosis: from Animal Models to the Clinical Scenario. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1675-1686. [PMID: 32542543 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00205-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is strong evidence from humans and animal models showing that abnormal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and/or the inflammatory response system disrupts feedback regulation of both neuroendocrine and immune systems, contributing to disease. Stress is known to affect the physiology of pelvic organs and to disturb the HPA axis leading to chronic, painful, inflammatory disorders. A link between stress and disease has already been documented for many chronic conditions. Endometriosis is a complex chronic gynecological disease associated with severe pelvic pain and infertility that affects 10% of reproductive-aged women. Patients report the negative impact of endometriosis symptoms on quality of life, work/study productivity, and personal relationships, which in turn cause high levels of psychological and emotional distress. The relationship between stress and endometriosis is not clear. Still, we have recently demonstrated that stress increases the size and severity of the lesions as well as inflammatory parameters in an animal model. Furthermore, the "controllability" of stress influences the pathophysiology in this model, offering the possibility of using stress management techniques in patients. The crosstalk between stress-inflammation-pain through HPA axis activity indicates that stress relief should alleviate inflammation and, in turn, decrease painful responses. This opens up the opportunity of altering brain-body-brain pathways as potential new therapeutic option for endometriosis. The goal of this review is to gather the research evidence regarding the interaction between stress (psychological and physiological) and the development and progression of endometriosis on the exacerbation of its symptoms with the purpose of proposing new lines of emerging research and possible treatment modalities for this still incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Appleyard
- Department of Basic Sciences, Women's Health Division, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA. .,Department of Basic Sciences, Physiology Division, Medical School and Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, 395 Zona Ind Reparada 2, Ponce, PR, 00716-2347, USA.
| | - Idhaliz Flores
- Department of Basic Sciences, Women's Health Division, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
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12
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Orr NL, Wahl KJ, Noga H, Allaire C, Williams C, Bedaiwy MA, Albert A, Smith KB, Yong PJ. Phenotyping Sexual Pain in Endometriosis Using the Central Sensitization Inventory. J Sex Med 2020; 17:761-770. [PMID: 31983669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deep dyspareunia, a common symptom in endometriosis, has previously been associated with bladder and/or pelvic floor tenderness (BPFT), which suggests a role for central nervous system sensitization. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI, 0-100) is a validated self-reported scale for patients with central sensitization. AIM The objective of this study was to phenotype deep dyspareunia using BPFT and the CSI. METHODS The methods included cross-sectional analysis from a prospective registry from January 2018 to June 2018 at a tertiary center for endometriosis (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02911090). Included were women aged 18-50 years with endometriosis (previously surgically diagnosed, current visualized endometrioma on ultrasound, or current palpable or visualized nodule on ultrasound), who were newly or re-referred to the center. Severity of deep dyspareunia was self-reported using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain imaginable), categorized as no or low deep dyspareunia (0-4) and high deep dyspareunia (5-10). We identified the subgroup with high deep dyspareunia and presence of BPFT, where we hypothesized a central component of the sexual pain. This subgroup was compared with 2 other subgroups: no or low deep dyspareunia and high deep dyspareunia but no BPFT. The CSI was compared between the groups using analysis of variance, followed by post hoc testing (P < .05). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The main outcome measure was the CSI score ranging from 0 to 100. RESULTS Data from 163 women with endometriosis were analyzed. The mean age of this cohort was 36.4 ± 6.8 years, and the mean CSI score was 41.0 ± 18.6. 37 percent (61/163) had high deep dyspareunia and BPFT; 29% (47/163) had high deep dyspareunia and no BPFT; and 34% (55/163) had no or low deep dyspareunia. The CSI significantly differed between the 3 groups (analysis of variance: F = 22.4, P < .001). In post hoc testing, the CSI was higher in women with high deep dyspareunia and BPFT (51.3 ± 16.9), compared with women with no or low deep dyspareunia (30.9 ± 15.4, P < .001) and compared with women with high deep dyspareunia but no BPFT (39.4 ± 17.2, P = .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The CSI could be used to classify and phenotype patients with endometriosis-associated sexual pain. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS Strengths include a prospective registry with integrated pain scores, validated questionnaires, and physical examination findings. Limitations include the lack of quantitative sensory testing for central sensitization. CONCLUSIONS In women with endometriosis, the subgroup with high deep dyspareunia and bladder and/or pelvic floor tenderness had a significantly higher score on the CSI than other subgroups, suggesting that this group may have a central component to their sexual pain. Orr NL, Wahl KJ,Noga H, et al. Phenotyping Sexual Pain in Endometriosis Using the Central Sensitization Inventory. J Sex Med 2020;17:761-770.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Orr
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate J Wahl
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kelly B Smith
- BC Centre for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Centre for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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13
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Greaves E, Rosser M, Saunders PTK. Endometriosis-Associated Pain - Do Preclinical Rodent Models Provide a Good Platform for Translation? ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2020; 232:25-55. [PMID: 33278006 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51856-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pelvic pain is a common symptom of endometriosis. Our understanding of its etiology remains incomplete and medical management is limited by poor translation from preclinical models to clinical trials. In this review, we briefly consider the evidence, or lack thereof, that different subtypes of lesion, extra-uterine bleeding, and neuropathic pathways add to the complex and heterogeneous pain experience of women with the condition. We summarize the studies in rodent models of endometriosis that have used behavioral endpoints (evoked and non-evoked) to explore mechanisms of endometriosis-associated pain. Lesion innervation, activation of nerves by pronociceptive molecules released by immune cells, and a role for estrogen in modulating hyperalgesia are key endometriosis-associated pain mechanisms replicated in preclinical rodent models. The presence of ectopic (full thickness uterus or endometrial) tissue may be associated with changes in the spinal cord and brain, which appear to model changes reported in patients. While preclinical models using rats and mice have yielded insights that appear relevant to mechanisms responsible for the development of endometriosis-associated pain, they are limited in scope. Specifically, most studies are based on models that only resulted in the formation of superficial lesions and use induced (evoked) behavioral 'pain' tests. We suggest that translation for patient benefit will be improved by new approaches including models of ovarian and deep infiltrating disease and measurement of spontaneous pain behaviors. Future studies must also capitalize on new advances in the wider field of pain medicine to identify more effective treatments for endometriosis-associated pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Greaves
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Matthew Rosser
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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14
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What Have We Learned from Animal Models of Endometriosis and How Can We Use the Knowledge Gained to Improve Treatment of Patients? ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2020; 232:99-111. [PMID: 33278009 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51856-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a complex disorder with a high socio-economic impact. Development of effective novel drug therapies which can be given to women to relieve chronic pain symptoms without side effects such as hormone suppression is urgently required, but progress has been slow. Several different rodent models of 'endometriosis' have been developed, the majority of which mimic aspects of peritoneal disease (e.g. 'lesions' in peritoneal cavity either surgically or spontaneously attached to wall, mesentery, fat). Results obtained using these models have informed our understanding of aetiology including evidence for differential expression of regulatory factors in lesions and impacts on pain perception and fertility. Refinement of these models to ensure reproducibility, extension of models to replicate ovarian and deep disease, complementary in vitro approaches and robust experimental design are all needed to ensure preclinical drug testing results in positive findings in clinical trials and translation for patient benefit.
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15
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Taylor HS, Dun EC, Chwalisz K. Clinical evaluation of the oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone-antagonist elagolix for the management of endometriosis-associated pain. Pain Manag 2019; 9:497-515. [PMID: 31434540 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2019-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease associated with pelvic pain symptoms that are often severe, mainly dysmenorrhea, nonmenstrual pelvic pain and dyspareunia. This condition is also associated with peripheral and central sensitization. The current medical treatment options for endometriosis-associated pain are limited. Recently, the US FDA approved the novel, oral, nonpeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist elagolix for the management of moderate to severe endometriosis-associated pain. Elagolix produces dose-dependent estrogen suppression, from partial suppression at lower doses to nearly full suppression at higher doses. This review article summarizes the current understanding of the pathophysiology of endometriosis, with a focus on the role of estrogen and the mechanisms of pain symptoms, and reviews the clinical development of elagolix in women with endometriosis-associated pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh S Taylor
- Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Erica C Dun
- Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Kristof Chwalisz
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, Bldg. AP4A-3, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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16
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van Aken MA, Groothuis PG, Panagiotou M, Duin MV, Nap AW, van Rijn TC, Kozicz T, Braat DD, Peeters AB. An objective and automated method for evaluating abdominal hyperalgesia in a rat model for endometriosis. Lab Anim 2019; 54:365-372. [PMID: 31366270 DOI: 10.1177/0023677219856915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain and subfertility are the main symptoms of concern in women with endometriosis. In order to find new therapeutic options to suppress the pain, translational animal models are indispensable. We have developed a new automated, experimental setup, with full consideration for animal wellbeing, to determine whether operant behaviour can reveal abdominal hyperalgesia in rats with surgically-induced endometriosis, in order to assess whether abdominal hyperalgesia affect behavioural parameters. Endometriosis was induced by transplantation of uterine fragments in the abdominal cavity. Control groups consisted of sham-operated rats and non-operated rats. We have developed an operant chamber (Skinnerbox) which includes a barrier. The rat can climb the barrier in order to reach the food pellet, increasing in this way the pressure to the abdomen. We show that endometriosis rats collect significantly less sugar pellets when compared with the control rats after the introduction of the barrier. In the Skinnerbox experiment, we showed that in a positive operant setting, the introduction of a barrier results in a contrast of operant behaviour of endometriosis rats and control groups, perchance as a result of abdominal discomfort/hyperalgesia due to surgically-induced endometriosis. This is a promising start for the further development of a refined animal model to monitor abdominal discomfort/hyperalgesia in rats with surgically-induced endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Aw van Aken
- Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Rijnstate, The Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Annemiek W Nap
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Rijnstate, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke Cm van Rijn
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, The Netherlands
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, USA
| | - Didi Dm Braat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ard Bwmm Peeters
- Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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17
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Linaclotide treatment reduces endometriosis-associated vaginal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia through viscerovisceral cross-talk. Pain 2019; 160:2566-2579. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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18
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Zheng P, Zhang W, Leng J, Lang J. Research on central sensitization of endometriosis-associated pain: a systematic review of the literature. J Pain Res 2019; 12:1447-1456. [PMID: 31190954 PMCID: PMC6514255 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s197667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis-associated pain afflicts an enormous number of women who suffer from endometriosis. There is an urgent need to explore the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated pain to identify targets for treatment of hyperalgesia. A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using the search terms "endometriosis" AND ("pain" OR "hyperalgesia" OR "nociception" OR "allodynia") AND "central sensitization". The search was limited to articles published in English from 01/01/2008 to the present. Among the search results, 15 articles were eligible for systematic review, including 6 reviews, 6 human studies (one in the form of a conference abstract only), and 3 animal studies. The articles were classified into 4 lists to describe the mechanism of endometriosis-associated pain and synthesize different aspects of research on it. In conclusion, there is a need to explore the mechanism of endometriosis-associated pain in terms of innervation, vascularization, local inflammation, cross-correlated visceral sensitization, and central sensitization to identify the target molecules and signaling pathways of key genes and relevant biomarkers through new techniques, all with the goal of developing a more comprehensive treatment strategy for endometriosis than is currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Leng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Dodds KN, Beckett EAH, Evans SF, Hutchinson MR. Lesion development is modulated by the natural estrous cycle and mouse strain in a minimally invasive model of endometriosis. Biol Reprod 2019; 97:810-821. [PMID: 29069288 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Many rodent models of endometriosis are invasive, involving surgery to implant donor endometrial tissue into recipient animals. Moreover, few studies have compared and contrasted lesions between rodent strains and estrous stages without exogenous hormone manipulation. This is despite extensive data demonstrating that genetic and hormonal factors can influence endometriosis progression. Here, we have refined a minimally invasive model of endometriosis using naturally cycling mice (donor and recipient matched for cycle phase) to investigate lesion development in two different strains (C57BL/6 and BALB/c), induced in estrous stages of high and low estrogen (proestrus or estrus, respectively), and with varying amounts of donor endometrial tissue (7.5-40 mg), injected intraperitoneally. The overall probability of developing endometriosis-like lesions was higher in proestrus than estrus, and increased with greater masses of donor tissue. Similarly, the total number of lesions (0-3) increased from 7.5 to 40 mg, and was significantly greater in proestrus C57BL/6 mice but not BALB/cs. The dominant lesion type also differed between mouse strains; C57BL/6 mice were more likely to develop dense-type lesions, whereas BALB/c mice developed a greater proportion of cystic type. These data further support a role for estrogen in the development of endometriosis, and that genetic variance can influence the degree and characteristics of lesions. Our minimally invasive model would be beneficial for studies with outcome measurements particularly sensitive to incisional injury, such as pain, or alterations to sex hormones, including fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsi N Dodds
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A H Beckett
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Susan F Evans
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mark R Hutchinson
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics Disease of Gansu Province, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
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21
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Monten L, Forman A, Andersson KE. Pelvic organ cross-talk: A new paradigm for endometriosis-related pelvic pain? JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/2284026518810573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis patients often complain about pelvic and abdominal pain with varying bowel and bladder symptoms unrelated to the location and extent of the disease. The pathophysiology can be multifactorial, but one possibility is that pelvic organ cross-talk may play a role. The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific support for this hypothesis. A search was performed in PubMed to identify relevant experimental and clinical studies. Data achieved in animal models and clinical evidence suggest that endometriosis-related pain may implicate interactions between pelvic structures like the urinary tract, the bowel and the vagina, mediated by the autonomous nervous system. Such pelvic organ cross-talk with involvement of nerve fibre outgrowth into endometriosis lesions, peripheral sensitisation and convergence of afferent nerve fibres could be an explanation for the varying pain problems in endometriosis, but the precise mechanisms are still poorly understood. Some patients with chronic pelvic pain, including those with endometriosis, also seem to have a more general somatic, musculoskeletal hyperalgesia, indicating a potential viscero-somatic convergence. This might be due to continuous nociceptive input to the brain, resulting in changes in brain structures and finally leading to central sensitisation. Thus, pelvic organ cross-talk seems to represent a new paradigm for endometriosis-related pain with novel possibilities for the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Monten
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Axel Forman
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karl-Erik Andersson
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, USA
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22
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van Aken M, Oosterman J, van Rijn T, Woudsma K, Ferdek M, Ruigt G, Kozicz T, Braat D, Peeters A, Nap A. Experimental pain tolerance is decreased and independent of clinical pain intensity in patients with endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2018; 110:1118-1128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Simitsidellis I, Gibson DA, Saunders PTK. Animal models of endometriosis: Replicating the aetiology and symptoms of the human disorder. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 32:257-269. [PMID: 29779580 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic incurable disorder that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age: associated symptoms include chronic pain and infertility. The aetiology of endometriosis remains poorly understood but patients, clinicians and researchers are all in agreement that new non-surgical therapies are urgently needed to reduce the severity of symptoms. Preclinical testing of drugs requires the development and validation of models that recapitulate the key features of the disorder. In this review we describe the best-validated animal models (primate, rodent, xenograft) and their contributions to our understanding of the factors underpinning the development of symptoms. We consider the evidence that these models have provided the platform for identification of new therapeutic interventions and reflect on future directions for research and drug validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Douglas A Gibson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Torres-Reverón A, Rivera LL, Flores I, Appleyard CB. Environmental Manipulations as an Effective Alternative Treatment to Reduce Endometriosis Progression. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:1336-1348. [PMID: 29137551 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117741374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatments for endometriosis include pharmacological or surgical procedures that produce significant side effects. We aimed to determine how environmental enrichment (EE) could impact the progression of endometriosis using the autotransplantation rat model. Female rats were exposed to EE (endo-EE: toys and nesting materials, 4 rats per cage, larger area enclosure) or no enrichment (endo-NE: 2 rats per cage) starting on postnatal day 21. After 8 weeks, sham surgery or surgical endometriosis was induced by suturing uterine horn tissue next to the intestinal mesentery, then allowed to progress for 60 days during which EE or NE continued. At the time of killing, we measured anxiety behaviors, collected endometriotic vesicles and uterus, and processed for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), urocortin-1, CRH receptors type 1 and type 2, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Endometriosis did not affect anxiety-like behaviors, yet rats in enriched conditions showed lower basal anxiety behaviors than the nonenriched group. Importantly, the endo-EE group showed a 28% reduction in the number of endometriosis vesicles and the vesicles were significantly smaller compared to the endo-NE group. Endometriosis increased CRH and GR only in the vesicles of endo-NE, and this increase was dampened in the endo-EE. However, urocortin 1 was increased in the vesicles of the endo-EE group, suggesting different pathways of activation of CRH receptors in this group. Our results suggest that the use of multimodal complementary therapies that reduce stress in endometriosis could be an effective and safe treatment alternative, with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelyn Torres-Reverón
- 1 Division of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico.,2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA.,3 Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Leslie L Rivera
- 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA.,3 Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Idhaliz Flores
- 1 Division of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico.,4 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Caroline B Appleyard
- 1 Division of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico.,5 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
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25
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Yuan M, Ding S, Meng T, Lu B, Shao S, Zhang X, Yuan H, Hu F. Effect of A-317491 delivered by glycolipid-like polymer micelles on endometriosis pain. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:8171-8183. [PMID: 29184406 PMCID: PMC5687452 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s146569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease with a lack of effective clinical treatment. Current therapy often results in endometriosis pain recurrence and serious side effects. P2X3 receptor, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-gated ion channel, might be implicated in endometriosis pain. In this study, chitosan oligosaccharide-g-stearic acid (CSOSA) polymer micelles-coated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were developed as a novel delivery system for A-317491, a selective P2X3 receptor antagonist for endometriosis pain therapy. A-317491-loaded NLC (NLC/A-317491) could be coated by CSOSA micelles to form CSOSA/NLC/A-317491 nanoparticles. Pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, which highly expressed P2X3 receptors, were used as a cell model, and the CSOSA/NLC/A-317491 partly blocked the Ca2+ influx induced by ATP stimulation. In nude mouse and rat endometriotic models, CSOSA/NLC could accumulate into endometriotic lesions after vein injection. In endometriotic rats, CSOSA/NLC/A-317491 reversed mechanical and heat hyperalgesia with long-term efficacy, which might be attributed to the massive CSOSA/NLC/A-317491 distribution in the endometriotic lesions. In conclusion, A-317491 delivered by CSOSA/NLC nanoparticles attenuated endometriosis pain in rats, and CSOSA/NLC/A-317491 could be used as an effective treatment strategy for P2X3-targeted therapy in endometriosis pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yuan
- Institute of Marine Biology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan
| | - Shaojie Ding
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou
| | - Tingting Meng
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binbin Lu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shihong Shao
- Institute of Marine Biology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan
| | - Xinmei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou
| | - Hong Yuan
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fuqiang Hu
- Institute of Marine Biology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan.,Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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26
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Cuevas M, Cruz ML, Ramirez AE, Flores I, Thompson KJ, Bayona M, Vernon MW, Appleyard CB. Stress During Development of Experimental Endometriosis Influences Nerve Growth and Disease Progression. Reprod Sci 2017; 25:347-357. [PMID: 29108503 DOI: 10.1177/1933719117737846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We have previously shown that stress prior to induction worsens clinical presentation and inflammatory parameters in a rat model of endometriosis. This study was designed to examine whether stress during the development of endometriosis can affect the growth of endometriotic implants through nerve growth and immune alterations. METHODS Endometriosis was surgically induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by suturing uterine horn implants onto the small intestine mesentery. Two weeks later, one group of rats (endo-stress) was subjected to a 10-day swim stress protocol. Controls had no stress (endo-no stress) or sutures only and stress (sham-stress). On day 60, all rats were killed and examined for the presence of endometriotic vesicles. The size of each vesicle was measured. The uterus and colon were removed and assessed for damage, cell infiltration, and expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), its receptors (p75 and Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (Trk-A)/pTrk-A), and calcitonin gene-related peptide, a sensory fiber marker. A differential analysis of peritoneal fluid white blood cell count was performed. RESULTS Stress significantly increased endometriotic vesicle size but not colonic damage and increased infiltration of mast cells. Significantly increased expression of NGF and its receptors was found in the uterus of animals with endometriosis receiving stress. CONCLUSIONS Stress stimulates the development of ectopic endometrial vesicles in an animal model of endometriosis and increases inflammatory cell recruitment to the peritoneum. In addition, stress promotes nerve fiber growth in the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielly Cuevas
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Myrella L Cruz
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Antonio E Ramirez
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Idhaliz Flores
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Kenira J Thompson
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Manuel Bayona
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
- 2 Public Health Program, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Michael W Vernon
- 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Caroline B Appleyard
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
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Hernandez S, Cruz ML, Seguinot II, Torres-Reveron A, Appleyard CB. Impact of Psychological Stress on Pain Perception in an Animal Model of Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2017; 24:1371-1381. [PMID: 28093054 PMCID: PMC5933089 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116687655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pain in patients with endometriosis is considered a significant source of stress but does not always correlate with severity of the condition. We have demonstrated that stress can worsen endometriosis in an animal model. Here, we tested the impact of a psychological stress protocol on pain thresholds and pain receptors. METHODS Endometriosis was induced in female rats by suturing uterine horn tissue next to the intestinal mesentery. Sham rats had sutures only. Rats were exposed to water avoidance stress for 7 consecutive days or handled for 5 minutes (no stress). Fecal pellets and serum corticosterone (CORT) levels were measured as an index of anxiety. Pain perception was assessed using hot plate and Von Frey tests. Substance P, enkephalin, endomorphin-2, Mu opioid receptor (MOR), and neurokinin-1 receptor expression in the spinal cord were measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Fecal pellets and CORT were significantly higher in the endo-stress (ES) group than endo-no stress (ENS; P < .01) and sham-no stress groups (SNS; P < .01). The ES rats had more colonic damage ( P < .001 vs SNS; P < .05 vs ENS), vesicle mast cell infiltration ( P < .01 vs ENS), and more severe vesicles than ENS. The ES developed significant hyperalgesia ( P < .05) but stress reversed the allodynic effect caused by endo ( P < .001). The MOR expression was significantly reduced in ENS versus SNS ( P < .05) and more enkephalin expression was found in endo groups. CONCLUSION Animals subjected to stress develop more severe symptoms but interestingly stress seems to have beneficial effects on abdominal allodynia, which could be a consequence of the stress-induced analgesia phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siomara Hernandez
- Physiology Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Myrella L. Cruz
- Physiology Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Inevy I. Seguinot
- Microbiology Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Annelyn Torres-Reveron
- Physiology Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Caroline B. Appleyard
- Physiology Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
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28
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Ding S, Zhu L, Tian Y, Zhu T, Huang X, Zhang X. P2X3 receptor involvement in endometriosis pain via ERK signaling pathway. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184647. [PMID: 28898282 PMCID: PMC5595329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 3 (P2X3) is crucially involved in peripheral nociceptive processes of somatic and visceral pain. Endometriosis pain is considered as a kind of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. However, whether P2X3 is involved in endometriosis pain has not been reported up to date. Here, we aimed to determine whether P2X3 expression in endometriotic lesions is involved in endometriosis pain, which is regulated by inflammatory mediators through extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signalling pathway. We found that P2X3 expressions in endometriosis endometrium and endometriotic lesions were both significantly higher as compared with control endometrium (P<0.05), and both positively correlated with pain (P<0.05). The expression levels of phosphorylated –ERK (p-ERK), phosphorylated-cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB), and P2X3 in endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) were all significantly increased in comparison to the initial levels after treated with interleukin (IL)-1β (P<0.05) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (P<0.05), respectively, and did not increase after the ESCs were pre-treated with ERK1/2 inhibitor. Additionally, P2X3 and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) were co-expressed in endometriotic lesions. These obtained results suggest that P2X3 might be involved in endometriosis pain signal transduction via ERK signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Ding
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Libo Zhu
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yonghong Tian
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Tianhong Zhu
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiufeng Huang
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xinmei Zhang
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
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29
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Han H, Liang X, Wang J, Zhao Q, Yang M, Rong W, Zhang G. Cannabinoid receptor 1 contributes to sprouted innervation in endometrial ectopic growth through mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Brain Res 2017; 1663:132-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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30
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McAllister SL, Giourgas BK, Faircloth EK, Leishman E, Bradshaw HB, Gross ER. Prostaglandin levels, vaginal innervation, and cyst innervation as peripheral contributors to endometriosis-associated vaginal hyperalgesia in rodents. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 437:120-129. [PMID: 27524411 PMCID: PMC5048574 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a painful condition characterized by growth of endometrial cysts outside the uterus. Here, we tested the hypothesis that peripheral innervation and prostaglandin levels contribute to endometriosis-associated pain. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 16) were surgically instrumented by transplanting uterine tissue onto mesenteric arteries within the peritoneal cavity to create a model of endometriosis which forms extra-uterine endometrial cysts and vaginal hyperalgesia. Our results describe a significant positive correlation between endometriosis-induced vaginal hyperalgesia and cyst innervation density (sensory, r = 0.70, p = 0.003; sympathetic, r = 0.55, p = 0.03), vaginal canal sympathetic innervation density (r = 0.80, p = 0.003), and peritoneal fluid levels of the prostaglandins PGE2 (r = 0.65, p = 0.01) and PGF2α (r = 0.63, p = 0.02). These results support the involvement of cyst innervation and prostaglandins in endometriosis-associated pain. We also describe how sympathetic innervation density of the vaginal canal is an important predictor of vaginal hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy L McAllister
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
| | - Barbra K Giourgas
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | | | - Emma Leishman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IA, 47405, USA
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IA, 47405, USA
| | - Eric R Gross
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Silveira P, Texidor-Frugoni C, Martínez GF, Brauer MM. Reinnervation of rat endometrium in the anterior eye chamber model of experimental endometriosis: Old methods for new questions. Auton Neurosci 2016; 201:49-53. [PMID: 27688077 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2016.09.016] [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: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a benign estrogen-dependent chronic gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. In both women and experimental endometriotic rats, endometriosis lesions endow autonomic and sensory nerves, which are thought to contribute to the disease-associated pain. Some evidence indicates that the reinnervation of lesions is regulated by factors produced by the endometrial tissue as well as by environmental factors from the peritoneum. In this study, we examined the reinnervation of the rat endometrial tissue in an ectopic environment different from the peritoneum employing the anterior eye chamber model of experimental endometriosis. At 3 and 6weeks following transplantation, endometrial grafts retained many histological features of the eutopic tissue. Both sympathetic and sensory nerves reinnervated endometrial grafts and distributed in the stroma-like tissue, around blood vessels and in close proximity to the glands and lining epithelium. Sympathetic innervation was more robust than sensory innervation. No significant topographical relationship between sympathetic nerves and macrophages was observed. These results suggest that the rat endometrium possesses intrinsic neuritogenic capacities and can be reinnervated by sympathetic and sensory nerves in ectopic sites different from the peritoneum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Silveira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Camila Texidor-Frugoni
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Gaby F Martínez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - M Mónica Brauer
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Avenida Italia 3318, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay.
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Torres-Reverón A, Palermo K, Hernández-López A, Hernández S, Cruz ML, Thompson KJ, Flores I, Appleyard CB. Endometriosis Is Associated With a Shift in MU Opioid and NMDA Receptor Expression in the Brain Periaqueductal Gray. Reprod Sci 2016; 23:1158-67. [PMID: 27089914 PMCID: PMC5933161 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116630410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Studies have examined how endometriosis interacts with the nervous system, but little attention has been paid to opioidergic systems, which are relevant to pain signaling. We used the autotransplantation rat model of endometriosis and allowed to progress for 60 days. The brain was collected and examined for changes in endogenous opioid peptides, mu opioid receptors (MORs), and the N-methyl-d-aspartate subunit receptor (NR1) in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), since both of these receptors can regulate PAG activity. No changes in endogenous opioid peptides in met- and leu-enkephalin or β-endorphin levels were observed within the PAG. However, MOR immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in the ventral PAG in the endometriosis group. Endometriosis reduced by 20% the number of neuronal profiles expressing MOR and reduced by 40% the NR1 profiles. Our results suggest that endometriosis is associated with subtle variations in opioidergic and glutamatergic activity within the PAG, which may have implications for pain processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelyn Torres-Reverón
- Department of Basic Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA Department of Clinical Psychology, Ponce Health Sciences University/Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Karylane Palermo
- Department of Basic Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Anixa Hernández-López
- Department of Basic Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Siomara Hernández
- Department of Basic Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Myrella L Cruz
- Department of Basic Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Kenira J Thompson
- Department of Basic Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Idhaliz Flores
- Department of Microbiology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Caroline B Appleyard
- Department of Basic Sciences: Physiology and Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
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Chen S, Xie W, Strong JA, Jiang J, Zhang JM. Sciatic endometriosis induces mechanical hypersensitivity, segmental nerve damage, and robust local inflammation in rats. Eur J Pain 2015; 20:1044-57. [PMID: 26688332 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a common cause of pain including radicular pain. Ectopic endometrial tissue may directly affect peripheral nerves including the sciatic, which has not been modelled in animals. METHODS We developed a rat model for sciatic endometriosis by grafting a piece of autologous uterine tissue around the sciatic nerve. Control animals underwent a similar surgery but received a graft of pelvic fat tissue. RESULTS The uterine grafts survived and developed fluid-filled cysts; the adjacent nerve showed signs of swelling and damage. Mechanical and cold hypersensitivity and allodynia of the ipsilateral hindpaw developed gradually over the first 2 weeks after the surgery, peaked at 2-5 weeks, and was almost resolved by 7 weeks. Control animals showed only minor changes in these pain behaviours. Histological signs of inflammation in the uterine graft and in the adjacent nerve were observed at 3 weeks but were resolving by 7 weeks. In vivo fibre recording showed increased spontaneous activity, especially of C-fibres, in sciatic nerve proximal to the uterine graft. Several pro-inflammatory cytokines including interluekin-18, VEGF, fractalkine, and MIP-1α, were elevated in the uterine graft plus sciatic nerve samples, compared to samples from normal nerve or nerve plus fat graft. Growth associated protein 43 (GAP43), a marker of regenerating nerve fibres, was observed in the adjacent sciatic nerve as well as in the uterine graft. CONCLUSIONS This model shared many features with other rat models of endometriosis, but also had some unique features more closely related to neuropathic pain models. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY/REVIEW ADD Some especially painful forms of endometriosis are essentially neuropathic, because peripheral nerves are directly affected by nearby ectopic endometrial tissue. We modelled endometriosis by implanting autologous uterine tissue around rat sciatic nerve. We observed mechanical and cold pain behaviours along with signs of inflammation and nerve damage and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines at the implant site. Pain behaviours correlated with signs of nerve inflammation and damage rather than with cyst survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - W Xie
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - J A Strong
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - J Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - J-M Zhang
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
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Hernandez S, Cruz ML, Torres-Reveron A, Appleyard CB. Impact of physical activity on pain perception in an animal model of endometriosis. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2015; 7:89-114. [PMID: 28217664 PMCID: PMC5310711 DOI: 10.5301/je.5000231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms of endometriosis, such as pain and infertility, are considered significant sources of stress. In many chronic conditions, exercise can act as a stress buffer and influence pain perception. We tested the impact of swimming exercise on pain perception and pain receptors in an animal model of endometriosis. METHODS Endometriosis (Endo) was induced in female rats by suturing uterine horn tissue next to the intestinal mesentery. Sham rats received sutures only. Rats were exposed to swimming exercise for 7 consecutive days, while no-exercise rats were left in the home cage. Fecal pellets were counted after swimming as an index of anxiety, and serum corticosterone levels measured. Pain perception was assessed using the hot plate test for hyperalgesia and Von Frey test for allodynia. Mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and neurokinin-1 receptor expression in the spinal cord was measured by immunofluorescence. RESULTS Fecal pellet counts were higher in those animals that swam (p<0.05), but no significant difference in corticosterone was found. Although Endo-exercise rats had higher colonic damage (p<0.05) with more cellular infiltration, the lesions were smaller than in Endo-no exercise rats (p<0.05). Exercise did not ameliorate the hyperalgesia, whereas it improved allodynia in both groups. MOR expression was significantly higher in Endo-exercise vs. Endo-no exercise rats (p<0.01), similar to Sham-no exercise levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results point toward beneficial effects of swimming exercise during endometriosis progression. Physical interventions might be investigated further for their ability to reduce perceived stress and improve outcomes in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siomara Hernandez
- Physiology Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico - USA
| | - Myrella L. Cruz
- Physiology Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico - USA
| | - Annelyn Torres-Reveron
- Physiology Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico - USA
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico - USA
| | - Caroline B. Appleyard
- Physiology Division, Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico - USA
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Wang Y, Zhang M, Xie F, Li X, Bao M, Yang N, Shi R, Wang Z, Wu A, Guan Y, Yue Y. Upregulation of α₂δ-1 Calcium Channel Subunit in the Spinal Cord Contributes to Pelvic Organ Cross-Sensitization in a Rat Model of Experimentally-Induced Endometriosis. Neurochem Res 2015; 40:1267-73. [PMID: 25935199 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1592-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Pelvic organ cross-sensitization, also termed as viscero-visceral referred hyperalgesia, is a major contributor to painful endometriosis. Its underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Clinical and basic studies have shown that gabapentin, a drug that binds to the α2δ-1 subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels (Cavα2δ-1), is effective in treating chronic visceral pain. Accordingly, we hypothesized that pelvic organ cross-sensitization in painful endometriosis is mediated by an upregulation of Cavα2δ-1 in the spinal cord. We examined if the dysregulation of spinal Cavα2δ-1 subunit may play an important role in the development of ectopic growths-to-colon cross-sensitization in a rat model of experimentally-induced endometriosis. Our findings suggest that there was an increased Cavα2δ-1 expression in the dorsal horn and an ectopic growths-to-colon cross-sensitization in female rats with established endometriosis. Intrathecal administration of gabapentin (300 μg) remarkably reduced the ectopic growths-to-colon cross-sensitization in rats with established endometriosis. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of Cavα2δ-1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides reversed the ectopic growths-to-colon cross-sensitization and also normalized the upregulation of spinal Cavα2δ-1 expression in endometriosis rats. The current study suggests that the upregulation of Cavα2δ-1 in the spinal cord may contribute to pelvic organ cross-sensitization in painful endometriosis. Our study may provide a biological basis for selectively targeting this pathway to relieve viscero-visceral referred hyperalgesia in patients with painful endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8, Gongtinan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China,
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Matsuzaki S, Botchorishvili R, Pouly JL, Canis M. Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in endometriosis: a potentially effective approach for treatment and prevention. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPIES 2014; 2:36. [PMID: 26056600 PMCID: PMC4451963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent disease associated with infertility and pelvic pain. Endometriosis is defined by the presence of extra-uterine endometrial tissue. It affects approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women. However, the underlying etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology remain to be fully elucidated. Knowledge of these factors is indispensable for the development of targeted therapies for prevention and treatment of endometriosis. Several studies, including those from our laboratory, have suggested that aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway may be involved in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. This is a review of the literature focused on the aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in patients with endometriosis, and on how targeting the Wnt/targeting pathway may be a potentially effective approach for treating and/or preventing endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Matsuzaki
- />CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Chirurgie Gynécologique, 1, Place Lucie et Raymond Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- />Clermont Université, Université d’Auvergne, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- />CNRS, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Revaz Botchorishvili
- />CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Chirurgie Gynécologique, 1, Place Lucie et Raymond Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- />Clermont Université, Université d’Auvergne, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- />CNRS, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean Luc Pouly
- />CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Chirurgie Gynécologique, 1, Place Lucie et Raymond Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Michel Canis
- />CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Chirurgie Gynécologique, 1, Place Lucie et Raymond Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- />Clermont Université, Université d’Auvergne, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- />CNRS, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Matsuzaki S, Botchorishvili R, Pouly JL, Canis M. Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in endometriosis: a potentially effective approach for treatment and prevention. MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPIES 2014; 2:36. [PMID: 26056600 PMCID: PMC4451963 DOI: 10.1186/s40591-014-0036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent disease associated with infertility and pelvic pain. Endometriosis is defined by the presence of extra-uterine endometrial tissue. It affects approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women. However, the underlying etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology remain to be fully elucidated. Knowledge of these factors is indispensable for the development of targeted therapies for prevention and treatment of endometriosis. Several studies, including those from our laboratory, have suggested that aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway may be involved in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. This is a review of the literature focused on the aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in patients with endometriosis, and on how targeting the Wnt/targeting pathway may be a potentially effective approach for treating and/or preventing endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Matsuzaki
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Chirurgie Gynécologique, 1, Place Lucie et Raymond Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France ; Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France ; CNRS, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Revaz Botchorishvili
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Chirurgie Gynécologique, 1, Place Lucie et Raymond Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France ; Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France ; CNRS, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean Luc Pouly
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Chirurgie Gynécologique, 1, Place Lucie et Raymond Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Michel Canis
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, Chirurgie Gynécologique, 1, Place Lucie et Raymond Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France ; Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France ; CNRS, ISIT UMR6284, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Resolvins RvD1 and 17(R)-RvD1 alleviate signs of inflammation in a rat model of endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1191-6. [PMID: 25123641 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of two resolvins of D series, RvD1 and 17(R)-RvD1, on inflammatory signs associated with endometriosis (ENDO). DESIGN In vivo research study. SETTING Research laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Female Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTION(S) Intravenous or intraperitoneal injections of RvD1 (300 ng/kg) or 17(R)-RvD1 (300 and 900 ng/kg) in rats with surgically induced ENDO. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Vascular permeability of ectopic endometrial growths was assessed by Evans Blue extravasation; vaginal hyperalgesia was assessed with telemetered visceromotor response. RESULT(S) Both resolvins, but not vehicle, significantly decreased vascular permeability in ectopic endometrial tissue. 17(R)-RvD1 also significantly alleviated severity of vaginal hyperalgesia. CONCLUSION(S) Our results suggest that RvD1 and 17(R)-RvD1 can be considered for further investigation of their therapeutic potential for treating ENDO.
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Alvarez P, Levine JD. Screening the role of pronociceptive molecules in a rodent model of endometriosis pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2014; 15:726-33. [PMID: 24755283 PMCID: PMC4119016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Chronic pain is a major symptom in patients with endometriosis, a common gynecologic condition affecting women in their reproductive years. Although many proalgesic substances are produced by endometriosis lesions, experimental evidence supporting their relative roles is still lacking. Furthermore, it is unclear whether these proalgesic agents directly activate nociceptors to induce endometriosis pain. To determine their relative contribution to pain associated with endometriosis, we evaluated the intrathecal administration of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) antisense to messenger RNA for receptors for 3 pronociceptive mediators known to be produced by the ectopic endometrium. Two weeks after the implant of autologous uterine tissue onto the gastrocnemius muscle, local mechanical hyperalgesia was observed in operated rats. Intrathecal antisense ODN targeting messenger RNA for the interleukin 6 receptor-signaling complex subunit glycoprotein 130 and the nerve growth factor tyrosine kinase receptor A, but not their mismatch ODNs, reversibly attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia at the implant site. In contrast, intrathecal antisense ODN targeting the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, at a dose that markedly inhibited intramuscularly injected tumor necrosis factor alpha, had only a small antihyperalgesic effect in this model. These results indicate the relative contribution of pronociceptive mediators produced by ectopic endometrial tissue to endometriosis pain. The experimental approach presented here provides a novel method to evaluate for the differential contribution of mediators produced by other painful lesions as well as endometriosis lesions as targets for novel treatment of pain syndromes. PERSPECTIVE This article presents evidence for the relative contribution of proalgesic mediators to primary hyperalgesia displayed by rats submitted to a model of endometriosis pain. This approach can be used to identify potential targets for the treatment of endometriosis pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Alvarez
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Division of Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jon D Levine
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Division of Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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Alvarez P, Giudice LC, Levine JD. Impact of surgical excision of lesions on pain in a rat model of endometriosis. Eur J Pain 2014; 19:103-10. [PMID: 24824436 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is the most common and disabling feature of endometriosis. Surgical excision of endometriosis lesions provides relief but pain relapse is common. Studies in a preclinical model of endometriosis might help to unravel the role of the ectopic lesions as the source of pain. Thus, we evaluated the impact of lesion excision on mechanical hyperalgesia in a preclinical model of endometriosis pain. METHODS Endometriosis was induced by implanting autologous uterine tissue onto the gastrocnemius muscle. Surgical excision or aspiration drainage of the cystic lesion was performed at different times post-implant and mechanical nociceptive thresholds were assessed at the site of the lesion. RESULTS Lesions at 2, 8 and 16 weeks post-implant produced mechanical hyperalgesia of similar magnitude (n = 6/group). Excision of lesions (n = 6/group) produced a longer inhibition, with a magnitude and time course depending upon the timing of excision. Excision at 2 and 8 weeks produced a rapid onset marked attenuation of hyperalgesia, which returned to pre-excision values by post-surgical week 3. In contrast, excision of the lesion at 16 weeks produced a peak of inhibition of hyperalgesia 2 weeks post-excision, but then the inhibition was sustained. Aspiration of fluid from cysts in the lesions briefly attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia (n = 6/group). CONCLUSIONS In this preclinical model, we demonstrate that endometriosis pain is alleviated by surgical excision of the ectopic lesion or drainage of its cysts, providing support for the clinical observation that endometriosis pain is dependent upon the ongoing presence of the lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Alvarez
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California San Francisco, USA; Division of Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, USA
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Pierce AN, Ryals JM, Wang R, Christianson JA. Vaginal hypersensitivity and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction as a result of neonatal maternal separation in female mice. Neuroscience 2014; 263:216-30. [PMID: 24462609 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress can permanently alter functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the stress response and influences the perception of pain. Chronic pelvic pain patients commonly report having experienced childhood neglect or abuse, which increases the likelihood of presenting with comorbid chronic pain and/or mood disorders. Animal models of neonatal stress commonly display enhanced anxiety-like behaviors, colorectal hypersensitivity, and disruption of proper neuro-immune interactions in adulthood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that early life stress impacts vaginal sensitivity by exposing mice to neonatal maternal separation (NMS) for 3h/day during the first two (NMS14) or three (NMS21) postnatal weeks. As adults, female mice underwent vaginal balloon distension (VBD), which was also considered an acute stress. Before or after VBD, mice were assessed for anxiety-like behavior, hindpaw sensitivity, and changes in gene and protein expression related to HPA axis function and regulation. NMS21 mice displayed significantly increased vaginal sensitivity compared to naïve mice, as well as significantly reduced anxiety-like behavior at baseline, which was heightened following VBD. NMS21 mice exhibited significant thermal and mechanical hindpaw hypersensitivity at baseline and following VBD. NMS14 mice displayed no change in anxiety-like behavior and only exhibited significantly increased hindpaw mechanical and thermal sensitivity following VBD. Centrally, a significant decrease in negative regulation of the HPA axis was observed in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of NMS21 mice. Peripherally, NMS and VBD affected the expression of inflammatory mediators in the vagina and bladder. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel protein expression was also significantly, and differentially, affected in vagina, bladder, and colon by both NMS and VBD. Together these data indicate that NMS affects both central and peripheral aspects of the HPA axis, which may drive changes in vaginal sensitivity and the development of comorbid chronic pain and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Pierce
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States
| | - J M Ryals
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States
| | - R Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States
| | - J A Christianson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States.
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Traub RJ, Ji Y. Sex differences and hormonal modulation of deep tissue pain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2013; 34:350-66. [PMID: 23872333 PMCID: PMC3830473 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Women disproportionately suffer from many deep tissue pain conditions. Experimental studies show that women have lower pain thresholds, higher pain ratings and less tolerance to a range of painful stimuli. Most clinical and epidemiological reports suggest female gonadal hormones modulate pain for some, but not all, conditions. Similarly, animal studies support greater nociceptive sensitivity in females in many deep tissue pain models. Gonadal hormones modulate responses in primary afferents, dorsal horn neurons and supraspinal sites, but the direction of modulation is variable. This review will examine sex differences in deep tissue pain in humans and animals focusing on the role of gonadal hormones (mainly estradiol) as an underlying component of the modulation of pain sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Traub
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, 650 W. Baltimore St., 8 South, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Center for Pain Studies, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Chen Y, Li D, Zhang Z, Takushige N, Kong BH, Wang GY. Effect of siRNA against β-NGF on nerve fibers of a rat model with endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2013; 21:329-39. [PMID: 23885099 DOI: 10.1177/1933719113497279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines whether silencing specific β-nerve growth factor small interfering RNA (β-NGF siRNA) can affect the growth of ectopic endometriotic implants, generalized hyperalgesia, and nerve fiber density in endometriosis. METHODS Four specific β-NGF siRNAs were detected by Western blot analysis, and the most efficient specific siRNA was transferred into rats with surgically induced endometriosis through gene transfer. The length × width × height of each ectopic transplant that survived from 2 groups were measured at pre-and postbombardment after 2 weeks. The transplants were collected 2 weeks after bombardment. Warm-water tail flick test was performed before the rats were sacrificed. The specimens were sectioned and stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against the types of nerve fibers to compare the presence of different nerve fibers in the treatment and control groups. The serums and supernatants of the peritoneal washings in the treatment and control groups were collected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. The extra rats were successfully induced with endometriosis and through gene transfer as described above. The spherical volumes of the transplants and tail flick latency post-bombardment after 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks were measured. RESULTS The spherical volumes in the treatment group were much smaller than those in the control group, and tail flick latency significantly increased in the treatment group postbombardment after 2 weeks. The ELISA analysis showed that the concentrations of β-NGF in the serums and supernatants of the peritoneal fluid decreased in the treatment group unlike in the control group. Less sympathetic and sensory innervation was observed in the treatment group postbombardment after 2 weeks. The outcomes of the spherical volumes of the transplants and tail flick latency postbombardment after 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks showed that the sizes of the transplants did not return to their previous size and that the treatment had some effects on generalized hyperalgesia. CONCLUSION Specific siRNA-mediated silencing of the β-NGF gene expression after gene transfer suppressed the growth of ectopic endometriotic implants resulted in a significant improvement in generalized hyperalgesia as well as reduced sympathetic and sensory nerve fiber density in the treatment group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Rogers PAW, D'Hooghe TM, Fazleabas A, Giudice LC, Montgomery GW, Petraglia F, Taylor RN. Defining future directions for endometriosis research: workshop report from the 2011 World Congress of Endometriosis In Montpellier, France. Reprod Sci 2013; 20:483-99. [PMID: 23427182 DOI: 10.1177/1933719113477495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis, defined as estrogen-dependent lesions containing endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus, is a chronic and often painful gynecological condition that affects 6% to 10% of reproductive age women. Endometriosis has estimated annual costs of US $12 419 per woman (approximately €9579), comprising one-third of the direct health care costs with two-thirds attributed to loss of productivity. Decreased quality of life is the most important predictor of direct health care and total costs. It has been estimated that there is a mean delay of 6.7 years between onset of symptoms and a surgical diagnosis of endometriosis, and each affected woman loses on average 10.8 hours of work weekly, mainly owing to reduced effectiveness while working. To encourage and facilitate research into this debilitating disease, a consensus workshop to define future directions for endometriosis research was held as part of the 11th World Congress on Endometriosis in September 2011 in Montpellier, France. The objective of this workshop was to review and update the endometriosis research priorities consensus statement developed following the 10th World Congress on Endometriosis in 2008.(1) A total of 56 recommendations for research have been developed, grouped under 6 subheadings: (1) diagnosis, (2) classification and prognosis, (3) clinical trials, treatment, and outcomes, (4) epidemiology, (5) pathophysiology, and (6) research policy. By producing this consensus international research priorities statement, it is the hope of the workshop participants that researchers will be encouraged to develop new interdisciplinary research proposals that will attract increased funding support for work on endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A W Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Melbourne, Australia.
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Abstract
Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease and its fundamental cause is still unknown. Endometriosis-associated pain syndrome is a common problem; it is underdiagnosed and patients suffering from the syndrome are rarely seen in specialist pain clinics. The correlation between the extent of the disease and pain is weak. Endometriosis-associated pain syndrome may be cyclical or persistent and the pain may radiate to other pelvic organs. Optimum treatment is timely intervention using a multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Cambitzi
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Maya Nagaratnam
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College Hospitals, London, UK
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Dmitrieva N, Faircloth EK, Pyatok S, Sacher F, Patchev V. Telemetric assessment of referred vaginal hyperalgesia and the effect of indomethacin in a rat model of endometriosis. Front Pharmacol 2012; 3:158. [PMID: 22969722 PMCID: PMC3430868 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptoms of endometriosis (ENDO), among others, include pelvic/abdominal and muscle pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are first-line treatment for this pain. Similar to women, rats with surgically induced ENDO, but not its surgical control, exhibit vaginal hyperalgesia, which in rats is evidenced by a decreased threshold for the visceromotor response (VMR) induced by vaginal distention. Here we assess the VMR in rats with implanted probes that telemetrically transmit EMG activity from the abdominal muscle. The feasibility and sensitivity of this technique for monitoring the VMR threshold across the estrous cycle and the influence of Indomethacin on ENDO-induced vaginal hyperalgesia were evaluated. VMR thresholds in response to vaginal distention with an infusion pump were measured in different estrous stages. Indomethacin (5 or 10 mg/kg i.p. or s.c.) was injected in proestrus rats and 40-60 min later the VMR threshold was measured. The VMR threshold varied across the estrous cycle only in ENDO rats, being lowest in proestrus. Indomethacin increased this threshold in proestrus ENDO rats. These results show that telemetric assessment of the VMR is a sensitive tool, suitable for long-term studies in conscious rats. The results with this technique also suggest that ENDO-associated vaginal hyperalgesia involves COX activity, the feature that also underlies inflammatory pains.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dmitrieva
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Alvarez P, Chen X, Hendrich J, Irwin JC, Green PG, Giudice LC, Levine JD. Ectopic uterine tissue as a chronic pain generator. Neuroscience 2012; 225:269-82. [PMID: 22922120 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
While chronic pain is a main symptom in endometriosis, the underlying mechanisms and effective therapy remain elusive. We developed an animal model enabling the exploration of ectopic endometrium as a source of endometriosis pain. Rats were surgically implanted with autologous uterus in the gastrocnemius muscle. Within two weeks, visual inspection revealed the presence of a reddish-brown fluid-filled cystic structure at the implant site. Histology demonstrated cystic glandular structures with stromal invasion of the muscle. Immunohistochemical studies of these lesions revealed the presence of markers for nociceptor nerve fibers and neuronal sprouting. Fourteen days after surgery rats exhibited persistent mechanical hyperalgesia at the site of the ectopic endometrial lesion. Intralesional, but not contralateral, injection of progesterone was dose-dependently antihyperalgesic. Systemic administration of leuprolide also produced antihyperalgesia. In vivo electrophysiological recordings from sensory neurons innervating the lesion revealed a significant increase in their response to sustained mechanical stimulation. These results are consistent with clinical and pathological findings observed in patients with endometriosis, compatible with the ectopic endometrium as a source of pain. This model of endometriosis allows mechanistic exploration at the lesion site facilitating our understanding of endometriosis pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Alvarez
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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