1
|
Moein Mahini S, Younesi M, Mortazavi G, Samare-Najaf M, Karim Azadbakht M, Jamali N. Non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis: Immunologic and genetic markers. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 538:70-86. [PMID: 36375526 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis, a benign gynecologic and chronic inflammatory disease, is defined by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus characterized mainly by pelvic pain and infertility. Because endometriosis affects approximately 10% of females, it represents a significant socioeconomic burden worldwide having tremendous impact on daily quality of life. Accurate and prompt diagnosis is crucial for the management of this debilitating disorder. Unfortunately, diagnosis is typically delayed to lack of specific symptoms and readily accessible biomarkers. Although histopathologic examination remains the current gold standard, this approach is highly invasive and not applicable for early screening. Recent work has focused on the identification of reliable biomarkers including immunologic, ie, immune cells, antibodies and cytokines, as well as genetic and biochemical markers, ie, microRNAs, lncRNAs, circulating and mitochondrial nucleic acids, along with some hormones, glycoproteins and signaling molecules. Confirmatory research studies are, however, needed to more fully establish these markers in the diagnosis, progression and staging of these endometrial lesions.
Collapse
|
2
|
Dong L, Zhang L, Liu H, Xie M, Gao J, Zhou X, Zhao Q, Zhang S, Yang J. Circ_0007331 knock-down suppresses the progression of endometriosis via miR-200c-3p/HiF-1α axis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:12656-12666. [PMID: 32960511 PMCID: PMC7686986 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is considered a benign gynaecological disease with cancer-like characterizations, which has a high incidence among women of reproductive age. However, this disease has so far lacked timely diagnosis and effective treatment owing to its unclear aetiology. In this study, we identified aberrant high expression of circ_0007331 in ectopic endometrial cells by comparing the endometrial samples from patients with and without endometriosis. Further functional experiments revealed that circ_0007331 knock-down effectively suppressed the viability, proliferation and invasive capacity of ectopic endometrial cells. Additionally, we attempted to define the molecular mechanism of circ_0007331 in the initiation and progression of endometriosis. Circ_0007331 acted as a miRNA sponge for miR-200c-3p to indirectly regulate the function of HIF-1α, which plays a key role in the local angiogenesis and hypoxic mechanisms of ectopic endometrium. A final in vivo experiment confirmed that circ_0007331 knock-down could suppress the development of endometriosis through down-regulating the expression of HIF-1α. Collectively, we preliminarily characterized the role and possible insights of circ_0007331/miR-200c-3p/HIF-1α axis in the proliferation and invasion of ectopic endometrial cells. We hope that by exploring the potential function and molecular mechanism of circ_0007331, we can increase our biological insight into the pathogenesis of endometriosis, which will bring the new ways for the diagnosis and therapy of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Dong
- Department of GynecologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of ObstetricsRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of GynecologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Meiting Xie
- Department of ObstetricsRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jing Gao
- Ultrasound Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Ultrasound Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Qinghong Zhao
- Ultrasound Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Silin Zhang
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Anastasiu CV, Moga MA, Elena Neculau A, Bălan A, Scârneciu I, Dragomir RM, Dull AM, Chicea LM. Biomarkers for the Noninvasive Diagnosis of Endometriosis: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1750. [PMID: 32143439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early and accurate diagnosis of endometriosis is crucial for the management of this benign, yet debilitating pathology. Despite the advances of modern medicine, there is no common ground regarding the pathophysiology of this disease as it continues to affect the quality of life of millions of women of reproductive age. The lack of specific symptoms often determines a belated diagnosis. The gold standard remains invasive, surgery followed by a histopathological exam. A biomarker or a panel of biomarkers is easy to measure, usually noninvasive, and could benefit the clinician in both diagnosing and monitoring the treatment response. Several studies have advanced the idea of biomarkers for endometriosis, thereby circumventing unnecessary invasive techniques. Our paper aims at harmonizing the results of these studies in the search of promising perspectives on early diagnosis. METHODS We selected the papers from Google Academic, PubMed, and CrossRef and reviewed recent articles from the literature, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of various putative serum and urinary biomarkers for endometriosis. RESULTS The majority of studies focused on a panel of biomarkers, rather than a single biomarker and were unable to identify a single biomolecule or a panel of biomarkers with sufficient specificity and sensitivity in endometriosis. CONCLUSION Noninvasive biomarkers, proteomics, genomics, and miRNA microarray may aid the diagnosis, but further research on larger datasets along with a better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms are needed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Irungu S, Mavrelos D, Worthington J, Blyuss O, Saridogan E, Timms JF. Discovery of non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis. Clin Proteomics 2019; 16:14. [PMID: 30992697 PMCID: PMC6451201 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-019-9235-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disorder affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age who often experience chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Definitive diagnosis is through laparoscopy, exposing patients to potentially serious complications, and is often delayed. Non-invasive biomarkers are urgently required to accelerate diagnosis and for triaging potential patients for surgery. Methods This retrospective case control biomarker discovery and validation study used quantitative 2D-difference gel electrophoresis and tandem mass tagging-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for protein expression profiling of eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue samples collected from 28 cases of endometriosis and 18 control patients undergoing surgery for investigation of chronic pelvic pain without endometriosis or prophylactic surgery. Samples were further sub-grouped by menstrual cycle phase. Selected differentially expressed candidate markers (LUM, CPM, TNC, TPM2 and PAEP) were verified by ELISA in a set of 87 serum samples collected from the same and additional women. Previously reported biomarkers (CA125, sICAM1, FST, VEGF, MCP1, MIF and IL1R2) were also validated and diagnostic performance of markers and combinations established. Results Cycle phase and endometriosis-associated proteomic changes were identified in eutopic tissue from over 1400 identified gene products, yielding potential biomarker candidates. Bioinformatics analysis revealed enrichment of adhesion/extracellular matrix proteins and progesterone signalling. The best single marker for discriminating endometriosis from controls remained CA125 (AUC = 0.63), with the best cross-validated multimarker models improving the AUC to 0.71-0.81, depending upon menstrual cycle phase and control group. Conclusions We have identified menstrual cycle- and endometriosis-associated protein changes linked to various cellular processes that are potential biomarkers and that provide insight into the biology of endometriosis. Our data indicate that the markers tested, whilst not useful alone, have improved diagnostic accuracy when used in combination and demonstrate menstrual cycle specificity. Tissue heterogeneity and blood contamination is likely to have hindered biomarker discovery, whilst a small sample size precludes accurate determination of performance by cycle phase. Independent validation of these biomarker panels in a larger cohort is however warranted, and if successful, they may have clinical utility in triaging patients for surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stella Irungu
- 1Department of Women's Cancer, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Cruciform Building 1.1, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Dimitrios Mavrelos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, Lower Ground Floor, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU UK
| | - Jenny Worthington
- 1Department of Women's Cancer, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Cruciform Building 1.1, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Oleg Blyuss
- 1Department of Women's Cancer, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Cruciform Building 1.1, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Ertan Saridogan
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospital, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, Lower Ground Floor, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU UK
| | - John F Timms
- 1Department of Women's Cancer, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Cruciform Building 1.1, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rutherford EJ, Hill ADK, Hopkins AM. Adhesion in Physiological, Benign and Malignant Proliferative States of the Endometrium: Microenvironment and the Clinical Big Picture. Cells 2018; 7:E43. [PMID: 29772648 PMCID: PMC5981267 DOI: 10.3390/cells7050043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the developments in cellular and molecular biology over the last few decades have significantly advanced our understanding of the processes and players that regulate invasive disease, many areas of uncertainty remain. This review will discuss the contribution of dysregulated cell⁻cell and cell⁻matrix adhesion to the invasion in both benign and malignant contexts. Using the endometrium as an illustrative tissue that undergoes clinically significant invasion in both contexts, the adhesion considerations in the cells ("seed") and their microenvironment ("soil") will be discussed. We hope to orientate this discussion towards translational relevance for the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial conditions, which are currently associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Rutherford
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI Smurfit Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Arnold D K Hill
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI Smurfit Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Ann M Hopkins
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI Smurfit Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nisenblat V, Bossuyt PMM, Shaikh R, Farquhar C, Jordan V, Scheffers CS, Mol BWJ, Johnson N, Hull ML. Blood biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 2016:CD012179. [PMID: 27132058 PMCID: PMC7076288 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 10% of reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis, a costly chronic disease causing pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, but is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, there are no non-invasive or minimally invasive tests available in clinical practice to accurately diagnose endometriosis. Although other reviews have assessed the ability of blood tests to diagnose endometriosis, this is the first review to use Cochrane methods, providing an update on the rapidly expanding literature in this field. OBJECTIVES To evaluate blood biomarkers as replacement tests for diagnostic surgery and as triage tests to inform decisions on surgery for endometriosis. Specific objectives include:1. To provide summary estimates of the diagnostic accuracy of blood biomarkers for the diagnosis of peritoneal, ovarian and deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis, compared to surgical diagnosis as a reference standard.2. To assess the diagnostic utility of biomarkers that could differentiate ovarian endometrioma from other ovarian masses. SEARCH METHODS We did not restrict the searches to particular study designs, language or publication dates. We searched CENTRAL to July 2015, MEDLINE and EMBASE to May 2015, as well as these databases to 20 April 2015: CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, LILACS, OAIster, TRIP, ClinicalTrials.gov, DARE and PubMed. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered published, peer-reviewed, randomised controlled or cross-sectional studies of any size, including prospectively collected samples from any population of reproductive-aged women suspected of having one or more of the following target conditions: ovarian, peritoneal or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). We included studies comparing the diagnostic test accuracy of one or more blood biomarkers with the findings of surgical visualisation of endometriotic lesions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently collected and performed a quality assessment of data from each study. For each diagnostic test, we classified the data as positive or negative for the surgical detection of endometriosis, and we calculated sensitivity and specificity estimates. We used the bivariate model to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity whenever sufficient datasets were available. The predetermined criteria for a clinically useful blood test to replace diagnostic surgery were a sensitivity of 0.94 and a specificity of 0.79 to detect endometriosis. We set the criteria for triage tests at a sensitivity of ≥ 0.95 and a specificity of ≥ 0.50, which 'rules out' the diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a negative test result (SnOUT test), or a sensitivity of ≥ 0.50 and a specificity of ≥ 0.95, which 'rules in' the diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a positive result (SpIN test). MAIN RESULTS We included 141 studies that involved 15,141 participants and evaluated 122 blood biomarkers. All the studies were of poor methodological quality. Studies evaluated the blood biomarkers either in a specific phase of the menstrual cycle or irrespective of the cycle phase, and they tested for them in serum, plasma or whole blood. Included women were a selected population with a high frequency of endometriosis (10% to 85%), in which surgery was indicated for endometriosis, infertility work-up or ovarian mass. Seventy studies evaluated the diagnostic performance of 47 blood biomarkers for endometriosis (44 single-marker tests and 30 combined tests of two to six blood biomarkers). These were angiogenesis/growth factors, apoptosis markers, cell adhesion molecules, high-throughput markers, hormonal markers, immune system/inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, microRNAs, tumour markers and other proteins. Most of these biomarkers were assessed in small individual studies, often using different cut-off thresholds, and we could only perform meta-analyses on the data sets for anti-endometrial antibodies, interleukin-6 (IL-6), cancer antigen-19.9 (CA-19.9) and CA-125. Diagnostic estimates varied significantly between studies for each of these biomarkers, and CA-125 was the only marker with sufficient data to reliably assess sources of heterogeneity.The mean sensitivities and specificities of anti-endometrial antibodies (4 studies, 759 women) were 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 0.87) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.00). For IL-6, with a cut-off value of > 1.90 to 2.00 pg/ml (3 studies, 309 women), sensitivity was 0.63 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.75) and specificity was 0.69 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.82). For CA-19.9, with a cut-off value of > 37.0 IU/ml (3 studies, 330 women), sensitivity was 0.36 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.45) and specificity was 0.87 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.99).Studies assessed CA-125 at different thresholds, demonstrating the following mean sensitivities and specificities: for cut-off > 10.0 to 14.7 U/ml: 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.77) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.82); for cut-off > 16.0 to 17.6 U/ml: 0.56 (95% CI 0.24, 0.88) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.75, 1.00); for cut-off > 20.0 U/ml: 0.67 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.85) and 0.69 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.80); for cut-off > 25.0 to 26.0 U/ml: 0.73 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.79) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.77); for cut-off > 30.0 to 33.0 U/ml: 0.62 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.79) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.00); and for cut-off > 35.0 to 36.0 U/ml: 0.40 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.49) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.94).We could not statistically evaluate other biomarkers meaningfully, including biomarkers that were assessed for their ability to differentiate endometrioma from other benign ovarian cysts.Eighty-two studies evaluated 97 biomarkers that did not differentiate women with endometriosis from disease-free controls. Of these, 22 biomarkers demonstrated conflicting results, with some studies showing differential expression and others no evidence of a difference between the endometriosis and control groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Of the biomarkers that were subjected to meta-analysis, none consistently met the criteria for a replacement or triage diagnostic test. A subset of blood biomarkers could prove useful either for detecting pelvic endometriosis or for differentiating ovarian endometrioma from other benign ovarian masses, but there was insufficient evidence to draw meaningful conclusions. Overall, none of the biomarkers displayed enough accuracy to be used clinically outside a research setting. We also identified blood biomarkers that demonstrated no diagnostic value in endometriosis and recommend focusing research resources on evaluating other more clinically useful biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Nisenblat
- The University of AdelaideDiscipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research InstituteLevel 6, Medical School North,Frome RdAdelaideSAAustralia5005
| | - Patrick MM Bossuyt
- Academic Medical Center, University of AmsterdamDepartment of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and BioinformaticsRoom J1b‐217, PO Box 22700AmsterdamNetherlands1100 DE
| | - Rabia Shaikh
- IVF AustraliaWestmead Fertility ClinicLevel 2 20‐22 Mons Road, WestmeadSydneyVictoriaAustralia2145
| | - Cindy Farquhar
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFMHS Park RoadGraftonAucklandNew Zealand1003
| | - Vanessa Jordan
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFMHS Park RoadGraftonAucklandNew Zealand1003
| | - Carola S Scheffers
- University of GroningenWenckebachlaan 53GroningenGroningenNetherlands9728 JL
| | - Ben Willem J Mol
- The University of AdelaideDiscipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research InstituteLevel 6, Medical School North,Frome RdAdelaideSAAustralia5005
| | - Neil Johnson
- The University of AdelaideDiscipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research InstituteLevel 6, Medical School North,Frome RdAdelaideSAAustralia5005
| | - M Louise Hull
- The University of AdelaideDiscipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research InstituteLevel 6, Medical School North,Frome RdAdelaideSAAustralia5005
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hughes CL, Foster WG, Agarwal SK. The Impact of Endometriosis across the Lifespan of Women: Foreseeable Research and Therapeutic Prospects. Biomed Res Int 2015; 2015:158490. [PMID: 26064879 DOI: 10.1155/2015/158490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In addition to estrogen dependence, endometriosis is characterized by chronic pelvic inflammation. The impact of the chronic pelvic inflammatory state on other organ systems and women's health is unclear. Endometriosis associated chronic inflammation and potential adverse health effects across the lifespan render it imperative for renewed research vigor into the identification of novel biomarkers of disease and therapeutic options. Herein we propose a number of opportunities for research and development of new therapeutics to address the unmet needs in the treatment of endometriosis per se and its ancillary risks for other diseases in women across the lifespan.
Collapse
|
8
|
Toor K, Wessels J, Agarwal S, Leyland N, Foster W. Clinical markers of endometriosis: Have we been too quick to judge? Med Hypotheses 2014; 82:493-501. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
9
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of endometriosis is surgical through laparoscopy, which is invasive, costly and associated with potential complications. OBJECTIVES A non-invasive test for diagnosis of endometriosis will focus the use of laparoscopy on women who are highly suspected of having endometriosis. This review includes studies about different biomarkers for endometriosis and their potential for the non-surgical diagnosis of this disease. METHODS This review covers studies that investigated different biomarkers in blood or endometrium. Studies that identified definite cutoff points and evaluated the diagnostic performance of the biomarker as a blood test for endometriosis are focused on. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS Some of the markers investigated showed a good specificity, none of them showed a high sensitivity. More multi-center studies involving larger numbers of patients are required to identify the most useful biomarker.
Collapse
|
10
|
Fassbender A, Vodolazkaia A, Saunders P, Lebovic D, Waelkens E, De Moor B, D'Hooghe T. Biomarkers of endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:1135-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.01.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
11
|
May K, Conduit-Hulbert S, Villar J, Kirtley S, Kennedy S, Becker C. Peripheral biomarkers of endometriosis: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2010; 16:651-74. [PMID: 20462942 PMCID: PMC2953938 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmq009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is estimated to affect 1 in 10 women during the reproductive years. There is often delay in making the diagnosis, mainly due to the non-specific nature of the associated symptoms and the need to verify the disease surgically. A biomarker that is simple to measure could help clinicians to diagnose (or at least exclude) endometriosis; it might also allow the effects of treatment to be monitored. If effective, such a marker or panel of markers could prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures and/or recognize treatment failure at an early stage. METHODS We used QUADAS (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) criteria to perform a systematic review of the literature over the last 25 years to assess critically the clinical value of all proposed biomarkers for endometriosis in serum, plasma and urine. RESULTS We identified over 100 putative biomarkers in publications that met the selection criteria. We were unable to identify a single biomarker or panel of biomarkers that have unequivocally been shown to be clinically useful. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral biomarkers show promise as diagnostic aids, but further research is necessary before they can be recommended in routine clinical care. Panels of markers may allow increased sensitivity and specificity of any diagnostic test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K.E. May
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - S.A. Conduit-Hulbert
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J. Villar
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - S. Kirtley
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - S.H. Kennedy
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - C.M. Becker
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Endometriosis, defined as the ectopic presence of endometrial glandular and stromal cells outside the uterine cavity, is a common benign gynecological disorder with an enigmatic pathogenesis. Many genes and gene products have been reported to be altered in endometriosis, yet some of them may not be major culprits but merely unwitting accomplices or even innocent bystanders. Therefore, the identification and apprehension of major culprits in the pathogenesis of endometriosis are crucial to the understanding of the pathogenesis and would help to develop better therapeutics for endometriosis. Although so far NF-kappaB only has left few traces of incriminating fingerprints, several lines of investigation suggest that NF-kappaB, a pivotal pro-inflammatory transcription factor, could promote and maintain endometriosis. Various inflammatory agents, growth factors, and oxidative stress activate NF-kappaB. NF-kappaB proteins themselves and proteins regulated by them have been linked to cellular transformation, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and invasion. Interestingly, all existing and nearly all investigational medications for endometriosis appear to act through suppression of NF-kappaB activation. In endometriotic cells, NF-kappaB appears to be constitutively activated, and suppression of NF-kappaB activity by NF-kappaB inhibitors or proteasome inhibitors suppresses proliferation in vitro. Viewing NF-kappaB as a major culprit, an autoregulatory loop model can be postulated, which is consistent with existing data and, more importantly, can explain several puzzling phenomena that are otherwise difficult to interpret based on prevailing theories. This view has immediate and important implications for novel ways to treat endometriosis. Further research is warranted to precisely delineate the roles of NF-kappaB in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and to indict and convict its aiders and abettors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Wei Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Flores I, Rivera E, Mousses S, Chen Y, Rozenblum E. Identification of molecular markers for endometriosis in blood lymphocytes by using deoxyribonucleic acid microarrays. Fertil Steril 2006; 85:1676-83. [PMID: 16759924 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.11.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2005] [Revised: 11/19/2005] [Accepted: 11/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify molecular biomarkers for endometriosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes by using DNA microarrays. DESIGN Case-control. SETTING Multicenter academic research programs. PATIENT(S) Premenopausal women with or without endometriosis, determined by obstetrics and gynecology specialists during surgery. Microarray analysis included six endometriosis patients and five controls; 15 endometriosis patients and 15 controls were analyzed by using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Patients with all disease stages were included. INTERVENTION(S) Peripheral blood samples were collected by venipuncture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The expression levels of mRNAs in blood lymphocytes from endometriosis patients and controls were compared with those of a standard total RNA. Gene expression data were validated by real-time RT-PCR analysis. RESULT(S) A gene selection program identified genes that were differentially expressed in samples from endometriosis patients. To validate the gene expression data, the nine most discriminatory genes were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Two of the nine genes identified, IL2RG and LOXL1, were shown to be significantly differentially expressed. CONCLUSION(S) This is the first report of genes that are differentially expressed in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with endometriosis, which may provide important clues regarding the pathogenesis of this disease. Moreover, they could be considered potential targets for noninvasive diagnostic assays for endometriosis and need to be validated in a larger population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Idhaliz Flores
- Department of Microbiology, Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, Puerto Rico.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kyama CM, Overbergh L, Debrock S, Valckx D, Vander Perre S, Meuleman C, Mihalyi A, Mwenda JM, Mathieu C, D'Hooghe TM. Increased peritoneal and endometrial gene expression of biologically relevant cytokines and growth factors during the menstrual phase in women with endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2006; 85:1667-75. [PMID: 16759923 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2005] [Revised: 11/18/2005] [Accepted: 11/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine differential messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of relevant cytokines, metalloproteases, growth and adhesion factors in endometrium and peritoneum from women with endometriosis when compared with women without the disease during menstrual and luteal phases of the cycle. DESIGN Patients with endometriosis were compared with control patients. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 35 patients (20 patients during the luteal phase and 15 patients during the menstrual phase) were selected for this study on the basis of cycle phase and presence or absence of endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) In this study, endometriosis was laparoscopically and histologically confirmed in 24 women with endometriosis of revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) stage I-II (n = 12) and revised ASRM stage III-IV (n = 12), and the presence of a normal pelvis was documented by laparoscopy in 11 control patients. The macroscopically normal peritoneum tissues were collected from lateral wall left or right, near the colon ascendens or descendens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The expression levels were determined as ratios between the target molecules and beta-actin as housekeeping gene. RESULT(S) In women with endometriosis, peritoneal mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, transforming growth factor-beta, interleukin (IL)-6, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and endometrial mRNA levels of MMP-3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-8 were significantly higher during the menstrual phase when compared with luteal phase. During the menstrual phase of the cycle, both endometrial expression of TNF-alpha, IL-8, and MMP-3 mRNA levels and peritoneal expression of transforming growth factor-beta, IL-6, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in women with endometriosis when compared with controls. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of TNF-alpha in peritoneum and endometrium in both women with endometriosis and controls. CONCLUSION(S) Increased endometrial and peritoneal cytokine mRNA expression during menstruation may contribute to a pelvic inflammatory microenvironment favoring the development of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleophas M Kyama
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mihalyi A, Mutinda KC, Simsa P, Debrock S, Mwenda JM, D’Hooghe TM. Role of immunologic and inflammatory factors in the development of endometriosis: indications for treatment strategies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.2217/14750708.2.4.623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
16
|
Print C, Valtola R, Evans A, Lessan K, Malik S, Smith S. Soluble factors from human endometrium promote angiogenesis and regulate the endothelial cell transcriptome. Hum Reprod 2004; 19:2356-66. [PMID: 15242995 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis and vascular remodeling play critical roles in the cyclical growth and regression of endometrium. They also appear to play roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Supernatants were collected from cultured endometrium isolated from women with and without endometriosis. These supernatants induced endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro. They contained vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and their proliferative effects on endothelial cells were partially abrogated by a blocking anti-VEGF-A antibody. Gene array analysis showed that culture supernatants from proliferative phase endometrium, and to a lesser extent secretory phase endometrium, induced significant changes in the transcriptome of endothelial cells. We could not detect any association between endometriosis and the ability of endometrial-derived soluble factors to promote angiogenesis or to regulate the endothelial transcriptome. In addition, we could not detect any association between endometriosis and the concentration of VEGF-A in supernatants from cultured endometrium or in menstrual effluent. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that endometrium cultured in vitro produced soluble factors, including VEGF-A, that promoted angiogenesis. Proliferative phase endometrium promoted significant endothelial cell transcriptome changes that appear overall to be pro-angiogenic. These transcriptome changes provide insight into the dynamic control of vessel structure on which both eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesions depend.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristin Print
- Department of Pathology, Cambridge University, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|