1
|
Julio T, Fenerich BA, Halpern G, Carrera-Bastos P, Schor E, Kopelman A. The effects of oral nutritional supplements on endometriosis-related pain: a narrative review of clinical studies. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2024:102830. [PMID: 39067786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort for women, and the clinical and surgical treatments available have variable efficacy and can have adverse effects. These drawbacks often lead to poor adherence and therapeutic failure. Consequently, there has been increasing interest in the use of nutritional supplements as an adjuvant therapy for endometriosis. To facilitate clinical decision-making in managing women with endometriosis, a narrative review of clinical studies was conducted to investigate the effects of oral nutritional supplements on endometriosis-related pain. A literature search of the English-language PubMed/MEDLINE database was performed using appropriate keywords to identify clinical studies involving oral nutritional supplements and reporting on endometriosis-related pain. This narrative review included 20 studies published between 2013 and 2023, comprising 12 randomized controlled trials, six non-comparative trials, and two observational studies. The studies investigated the effects of various nutritional supplements on endometriosis-related pain, including vitamins, fatty acids, probiotics, medicinal plants, and bioactive compounds. A significant decrease in endometriosis-related pain was found in three out of five studies on vitamins, four out of six studies on fatty acids, one study on probiotics, two studies on medicinal plants, and five out of six studies on bioactive compounds. These nutritional supplements exhibited diverse biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antiangiogenic effects, all of which are relevant for managing endometriosis. These findings suggest that oral nutritional supplements could be included as part of a multidisciplinary treatment for endometriosis to decrease pain and enhance overall medical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamiris Julio
- Division of Nutrition, Institute of Health Sciences, Paulista University, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.; Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil..
| | - Bruna Alves Fenerich
- Division of Nutrition, Institute of Health Sciences, Paulista University, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Halpern
- Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Carrera-Bastos
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.; Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Nutrición (CEAN), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Eduardo Schor
- Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander Kopelman
- Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rosenberger DC, Mennicken E, Schmieg I, Medkour T, Pechard M, Sachau J, Fuchtmann F, Birch J, Schnabel K, Vincent K, Baron R, Bouhassira D, Pogatzki-Zahn EM. A systematic literature review on patient-reported outcome domains and measures in nonsurgical efficacy trials related to chronic pain associated with endometriosis: an urgent call to action. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00641. [PMID: 38968394 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Endometriosis, a common cause for chronic pelvic pain, significantly affects quality of life, fertility, and overall productivity of those affected. Therapeutic options remain limited, and collating evidence on treatment efficacy is complicated. One reason could be the heterogeneity of assessed outcomes in nonsurgical clinical trials, impeding meaningful result comparisons. This systematic literature review examines outcome domains and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used in clinical trials. Through comprehensive search of Embase, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL up until July 2022, we screened 1286 records, of which 191 were included in our analyses. Methodological quality (GRADE criteria), information about publication, patient population, and intervention were assessed, and domains as well as PROMs were extracted and analyzed. In accordance with IMMPACT domain framework, the domain pain was assessed in almost all studies (98.4%), followed by adverse events (73.8%). By contrast, assessment of physical functioning (29.8%), improvement and satisfaction (14.1%), and emotional functioning (6.8%) occurred less frequently. Studies of a better methodological quality tended to use more different domains. Nevertheless, combinations of more than 2 domains were rare, failing to comprehensively capture the bio-psycho-social aspects of endometriosis-associated pain. The PROMs used showed an even broader heterogeneity across all studies. Our findings underscore the large heterogeneity of assessed domains and PROMs in clinical pain-related endometriosis trials. This highlights the urgent need for a standardized approach to both, assessed domains and high-quality PROMs ideally realized through development and implementation of a core outcome set, encompassing the most pivotal domains and PROMs for both, stakeholders and patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emilia Mennicken
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Iris Schmieg
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Terkia Medkour
- INSERM U987, UVSQ-Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Marie Pechard
- INSERM U987, UVSQ-Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Juliane Sachau
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Fabian Fuchtmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Judy Birch
- Pelvic Pain Support Network, Poole, United Kingdom
| | - Kathrin Schnabel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Katy Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Didier Bouhassira
- INSERM U987, UVSQ-Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Esther Miriam Pogatzki-Zahn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
García-Izquierdo L, Marín-Sánchez P, García-Peñarrubia P, Martínez-Esparza M. New Potential Pharmacological Options for Endometriosis Associated Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7068. [PMID: 39000175 PMCID: PMC11240985 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, affecting 10-15% of women of reproductive age. Pain is the most common symptom. Treatment options include surgery, which has limited effectiveness and high recurrence rates, and pharmacotherapy. Hormonal therapies, commonly used for symptom management, can have side effects and contraceptive outcomes, contributing to the infertility associated with endometriosis, with pain and lesions often reappearing after treatment cessation. Among its etiological factors, immunological and inflammatory dysregulation plays a significant role, representing an interesting target for developing new therapeutic strategies. This review critically analyzes recent studies to provide an updated synthesis of ongoing research into potential new pharmacotherapies focusing on lesion progression, pain relief, and improving quality of life. Immunotherapy, natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds and drug repurposing show promise in addressing the limitations of current treatments by targeting immunological factors, potentially offering non-invasive solutions for managing pain and infertility in endometriosis. Promising results have been obtained from in vitro and animal model studies, but clinical trials are still limited. More effort is needed to translate these findings into clinical practice to effectively reduce disease progression, alleviate pain symptoms and preserve the reproductive capacity, improving patients' overall wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura García-Izquierdo
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology (B) and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Marín-Sánchez
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucía, University of Murcia and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar García-Peñarrubia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology (B) and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Esparza
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology (B) and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oppenheimer A, Boitrelle F, Nicolas‐Boluda A, Fauconnier A. Measurement properties of sexual function assessment questionnaires in women with endometriosis: A systematic review following COSMIN guidelines. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:799-823. [PMID: 38226426 PMCID: PMC11019533 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual function of patients with endometriosis should be assessed by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that present high reliability and validity. The objective was to study the PROMs used to assess sexual function for patients with endometriosis to improve their selection for research and clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a systematic literature review from January 2000 to September 2023. All studies including women with confirmed endometriosis and assessing sexual quality of life or sexual function or sexual distress were retrieved. Different properties of PROMs used for sexual dysfunction were assessed according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) recommendations. Properties evaluated were: structural validity, internal consistency, cross-cultural validity, reliability, measurement error, criterion validity, construct validity, and responsiveness. This literature review was registered on Prospero as 2018 CRD42018102278. RESULTS Seventy-four articles with evaluation of sexual function were included. Of the 25 PROMs assessing sexual function, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was the most frequently used (34/74 [45.9%] items), followed by the Female Sexual Distress Scale (9/74 [12.2%] items) and the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) (8/74 [10.8%] items). The most commonly used measurement properties were "hypothesis testing" and "responsiveness". The PROMs with a high level of evidence for these two measurement properties were the FSFI, the SAQ, the Short Sexual Functioning Scale, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, Sexual Quality of Life-Female, the Brief Profile of Female Sexual Function, and the Sexual Health Outcomes in Women Questionnaire. The FSFI questionnaire appeared to be more relevant for evaluating medical treatment, and the SAQ for evaluating surgical treatment. Only one instrument was specific to endometriosis (the Subjective Impact of Dyspareunia Inventory [SIDI]). CONCLUSIONS In this systematic literature review of sexual function assessment questionnaires in endometriosis, the FSFI and the SAQ questionnaires emerged as having the best measurement properties according to the COSMIN criteria. The FSFI questionnaire appears to be suited for evaluating medical treatment, and the SAQ for surgical treatment. The SIDI is the only specific questionnaire, but its responsiveness remains to be defined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Oppenheimer
- EA 7285 Research Unit “Risk and Safety in Clinical Medicine for Women and Perinatal Health”Versailles‐Saint‐Quentin University (UVSQ)Montigny‐le‐BretonneuxFrance
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility PreservationUniversity hospital Antoine BéclèreClamartFrance
- Department of Reproductive MedicineClinique de La MuetteParisFrance
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology and CECOSPoissy HospitalPoissyFrance
- Department BREED, UVSQ, INRAEParis Saclay UniversityJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
| | | | - Arnaud Fauconnier
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility PreservationUniversity hospital Antoine BéclèreClamartFrance
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Poissy‐Saint‐Germain‐en‐LayeDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsPoissyFrance
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hearn-Yeates F, Horne AW, O’Mahony SM, Saunders PTK. The impact of the microbiota-gut-brain axis on endometriosis-associated symptoms: mechanisms and opportunities for personalised management strategies. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2024; 5:RAF-23-0085. [PMID: 38739749 PMCID: PMC11227073 DOI: 10.1530/raf-23-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It is commonly associated with pain, infertility, and mood disorders, and often comorbid with other chronic pain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Recent research has identified a key role for the microbiota-gut-brain axis in health and a range of inflammatory and neurological disorders, prompting an exploration of its potential mechanistic role in endometriosis. Increased awareness of the impact of the gut microbiota within the patient community, combined with the often-detrimental side effects of current therapies, has motivated many to utilise self-management strategies, such as dietary modification and supplements, despite a lack of robust clinical evidence. Current research has characterised the gut microbiota in endometriosis patients and animal models. However, small cohorts and differing methodology has resulted in little consensus in the data. In this narrative review, we summarise research studies that have investigated the role of gut microbiota and their metabolic products in the development and progression of endometriosis lesions, before summarising insights from research into co-morbid conditions and discussing the reported impact of self-management strategies on symptoms of endometriosis. Finally, we suggest ways in which this promising field of research could be expanded to explore the role of specific bacteria, improve access to 'microbial' phenotyping, and to develop personalised patient advice for reduction of symptoms such as chronic pain and bloating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Hearn-Yeates
- EXPPECT Edinburgh and Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew W Horne
- EXPPECT Edinburgh and Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siobhain M O’Mahony
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- EXPPECT Edinburgh and Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Baradwan S, Gari A, Sabban H, Alshahrani MS, Khadawardi K, Bukhari IA, Alyousef A, Abu-Zaid A. The effect of antioxidant supplementation on dysmenorrhea and endometriosis-associated painful symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2024; 67:186-198. [PMID: 38221738 PMCID: PMC10948216 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.23210] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of dietary antioxidant supplements on the severity of endometriosis-related pain symptoms. The PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched until April 2022. Additionally, we manually searched the reference lists. Endpoints were summarized as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in a random-effects model. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Ten RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, 10 studies were related to dysmenorrhea, four to dyspareunia, and four to pelvic pain. Antioxidants significantly reduced dysmenorrhea (SMD, -0.48; 95% CI, -0.82 to -0.13; I2=75.14%). In a subgroup analysis, a significant reduction of dysmenorrhea was observed only in a subset of trials that administered vitamin D (SMD, -0.59; 95% CI, -1.13 to -0.06; I2=69.59%) and melatonin (SMD, -1.40; 95% CI, -2.47 to -0.32; I2=79.15%). Meta-analysis results also suggested that antioxidant supplementation significantly improved pelvic pain (SMD, -1.51; 95% CI, -2.74 to -0.29; I2=93.96%), although they seem not to have a significant beneficial impact on the severity of dyspareunia. Dietary antioxidant supplementation seems to beneficially impact the severity of endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea (with an emphasis on vitamin D and melatonin) and pelvic pain. However, due to the relatively small sample size and high heterogeneity, the findings should be interpreted cautiously, and the importance of further well-designed clinical studies cannot be overstated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Baradwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahim Gari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al Salama Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein Sabban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine at Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Saeed Alshahrani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Khadawardi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibtihal Abdulaziz Bukhari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alyousef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Abu-Zaid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Endometriosis affects approximately 190 million women and people assigned female at birth worldwide. It is a chronic, inflammatory, gynecologic disease marked by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, which in many patients is associated with debilitating painful symptoms. Patients with endometriosis are also at greater risk of infertility, emergence of fatigue, multisite pain, and other comorbidities. Thus, endometriosis is best understood as a condition with variable presentation and effects at multiple life stages. A long diagnostic delay after symptom onset is common, and persistence and recurrence of symptoms despite treatment is common. This review discusses the potential genetic, hormonal, and immunologic factors that lead to endometriosis, with a focus on current diagnostic and management strategies for gynecologists, general practitioners, and clinicians specializing in conditions for which patients with endometriosis are at higher risk. It examines evidence supporting the different surgical, pharmacologic, and non-pharmacologic approaches to treating patients with endometriosis and presents an easy to adopt step-by-step management strategy. As endometriosis is a multisystem disease, patients with the condition should ideally be offered a personalized, multimodal, interdisciplinary treatment approach. A priority for future discovery is determining clinically informative sub-classifications of endometriosis that predict prognosis and enhance treatment prioritization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Horne
- EXPPECT Edinburgh and MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stacey A Missmer
- Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Saunders PT, Horne AW. Endometriosis: Etiology, pathobiology, and therapeutic prospects. Cell 2021; 184:2807-2824. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
9
|
Abokhrais IM, Denison FC, Whitaker LHR, Saunders PTK, Doust A, Williams LJ, Horne AW. Correction: A two-arm parallel double-blind randomised controlled pilot trial of the efficacy of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the treatment of women with endometriosis-associated pain (PurFECT1). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230055. [PMID: 32106274 PMCID: PMC7046280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|