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Zhang F, Lu Y. The Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Axis: an Emerging Therapeutic Opportunity for Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2040-2059. [PMID: 36662421 PMCID: PMC9857924 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common condition in women of reproductive age, but its current interventions are unsatisfactory. Recent research discovered a dysregulation of the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway in endometriosis and showed a positive outcome by targeting it. The S1P axis participates in a series of fundamental pathophysiological processes. This narrative review is trying to expound the reported and putative (due to limited reports in this area for now) interactions between the S1P axis and endometriosis in those pathophysiological processes, to provide some perspectives for future research. In short, S1P signaling pathway is highly activated in the endometriotic lesion. The S1P concentration has a surge in the endometriotic cyst fluid and the peritoneal fluid, with the downstream dysregulation of its receptors. The S1P axis plays an essential role in the migration and activation of the immune cells, fibrosis, angiogenesis, pain-related hyperalgesia, and innervation. S1P receptor (S1PR) modulators showed an impressive therapeutic effect by targeting the different S1P receptors in the endometriosis model, and many other conditions resemble endometriosis. And several of them already got approval for clinical application in many diseases, which means a drug repurposing direction and a rapid clinical translation for endometriosis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengrui Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Gynecology, The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Rd, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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Tumor Necrosis Factor and its Soluble Receptors as Potential Diagnostic Markers of Endometriosis. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2017. [DOI: 10.5301/jeppd.5000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a proinflammatory and angiogenic factor produced by activated macrophages. TNF acts through the cell membrane receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2, whose soluble forms play an important role in regulating TNF activity through competition with its receptors. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TNF and/or its soluble receptors are useful to detect endometriosis in women undergoing laparoscopy for gynecological complains. Methods This was a prospective, controlled, cross-sectional study including 75 consecutive women scheduled for gynecological laparoscopy due to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or a pelvic image suggestive of endometrioma. Plasma TNF and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) were measured by flow cytometry with the Cytometric Bead Array Human TH1/TH2 Kit (BD Biosciences). Results Women ultimately proven to have endometriosis had lower preoperative plasma levels of sTNFR1 (median 81 pg/mL vs. 121 pg/mL, p<0.05), resulting in higher TNF/sTNFR1 ratios compared to those without endometriosis (0.055 vs. 0.033, p<0.05). Using the cut-off <108 pg/mL for plasma sTNFR1 to detect endometriosis in this setting, the sensitivity was 51.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35%-68%), the specificity was 75.0% (95% CI, 61%-85%) and the positive likelihood ratio was 2.1 (95% CI, 1.1-3.8). The area under the ROC curve was 0.647 (SE = 0.065; 95% CI, 0.519-0.774; p = 0.031). Conclusions Plasma sTNFR1 levels are lower in symptomatic women with confirmed endometriosis compared to symptomatic women without endometriosis. The lower plasma sTNFR1 levels may increase the bioavailability of TNF, thereby contributing to the systemic low grade inflammation associated with endometriosis.
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Limited value of pro-inflammatory oxylipins and cytokines as circulating biomarkers in endometriosis - a targeted 'omics study. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26117. [PMID: 27193963 PMCID: PMC4872128 DOI: 10.1038/srep26117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common, complex gynecologic disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissues at extrauterine sites. Elevation in protein and lipid mediators of inflammation including oxylipins and cytokines within the peritoneum characterize the inflamed pelvic region and may contribute to the survival and growth of displaced endometrial tissues. The presence of a clinically silent but molecularly detectable systemic inflammation in endometriosis has been proposed. Thus, we examined serum oxylipin and immunomodulatory protein levels in 103 women undergoing laparoscopy to evaluate systematically any involvement in systemic pathophysiological inflammation in endometriosis. Oxylipin levels were similar between women with and without endometriosis. Stratification by menstrual phase or severity did not offer any difference. Women with ovarian endometriosis had significantly lower 12-HETE relative to peritoneal endometriosis (−50.7%). Serum oxylipin levels were not associated with pre-operative pain symptoms. Changes to immunomodulatory proteins were minimal, with IL-12(p70), IL-13 and VEGF significantly lower in mild endometriotic women compared to non-endometriotic women (−39%, −54% and −76% respectively). Verification using C-reactive protein as a non-specific marker of inflammation further showed similar levels between groups. The implications of our work suggest pro-inflammatory mediators in the classes studied may have potentially limited value as circulating biomarkers for endometriosis, suggesting of potentially tenuous systemic inflammation in endometriosis.
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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] [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.
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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
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Jin CH, Yi KW, Ha YR, Shin JH, Park HT, Kim T, Hur JY. Chemerin Expression in the Peritoneal Fluid, Serum, and Ovarian Endometrioma of Women with Endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 74:379-86. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chan Hee Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; College of Medicine; Eulji University; Daejeon Korea
| | - Kyong Wook Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; College of Medicine; Korea University; Seoul Korea
| | - Young Ran Ha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; College of Medicine; Korea University; Seoul Korea
| | - Jung-Ho Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; College of Medicine; Korea University; Seoul Korea
| | - Hyun Tae Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; College of Medicine; Korea University; Seoul Korea
| | - Tak Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; College of Medicine; Korea University; Seoul Korea
| | - Jun-Young Hur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; College of Medicine; Korea University; Seoul Korea
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Developmental exposure of fetal ovaries and fetal germ cells to endometriosis in an endometriosis model causes differential gene expression in the preimplantation embryos of the first-generation and second-generation embryos. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:1436-43. [PMID: 23954358 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize multigenerational gene expression anomalies in eight-cell stage embryos associated with developmental exposure to endometriosis. DESIGN Using an endometriosis model in rats (F0 founder generation) to evaluate gene expression in F1 (fetal exposure) and F2 (fetal germ cell exposure) generation eight-cell stage embryos. SETTING Laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Endometriosis model in rats (Endo) and controls (Sham). INTERVENTION(S) F0 Endo and Sham rats were bred; half the pregnant rats were killed on gestational day 3 to collect F1 eight-cell stage embryos and the others gestated to term (F1 females). Adult F1 females bred; F2 eight-cell embryos collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Maintenance of differential gene expression in F1 and F2 generation eight-cell embryos in endometriosis. RESULT(S) Developmental exposure to endometriosis altered the gene signaling pathways, with changes found in apoptosis, the cell cycle process, the response to oxidative stress, negative regulation of molecular function, and RNA processing. The apoptotic genes Diablo, Casp3, Parp1, Cad, and Dnaja3 were increased and the Nfkbia transcripts were decreased in F1 Endo versus F1 Sham embryos. In F2 Endo versus Sham embryos, Casp3 and Cad were statistically significantly increased, and Parp1 and Nfkbia tended to be elevated. CONCLUSION(S) Fetal and germ cell exposure to endometriosis alters apoptotic gene expression in first- and second-generation eight-cell stage embryos, supporting the hypothesis of multigenerational inheritance resulting from exposure to endometriosis in utero.
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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] [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.
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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
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Chae SJ, Kim H, Jee BC, Suh CS, Kim SH, Kim JG. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-TNF Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Their Serum Levels in Korean Women with Endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2008; 60:432-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2008.00641.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Seeber B, Sammel MD, Fan X, Gerton GL, Shaunik A, Chittams J, Barnhart KT. Panel of markers can accurately predict endometriosis in a subset of patients. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:1073-1081. [PMID: 17706208 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2006] [Revised: 05/10/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether a combination of putative markers of inflammation and CA-125 could serve as a multiple-marker screening test for endometriosis in a heterogeneous population of patients. DESIGN Case-control evaluation of a diagnostic test. SETTING University medical center. PATIENT(S) Consenting women of reproductive age undergoing laparoscopy for indications of pain, infertility, elective tubal ligation, tubal reanastomosis, or other benign indications. INTERVENTION(S) Diagnostic laparoscopy and peripheral venipuncture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Serum concentrations of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, macrophage chemotactic protein-1, interferon-gamma, leptin, and CA-125 measured by using ELISA assays; surgical staging of endometriosis. RESULT(S) Concentrations of the seven markers were compared between the 63 women with surgically confirmed stage II-IV endometriosis and 78 women who were surgically confirmed to be free of endometriosis. The individual diagnostic performance of each of the markers, based on receiver operating characteristic curves, was poor. When combinations of markers were evaluated by using classification tree analysis, a three-marker panel of CA-125, macrophage chemotactic protein-1, and leptin could diagnose 51% of subjects as to the presence of endometriosis with 89% accuracy. A four-marker panel of CA-125, macrophage chemotactic protein-1, leptin, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor could diagnose 48% of subjects with 93% accuracy. The remaining subjects would have no definitive diagnosis on the basis of the algorithm and would need to undergo standard evaluation. CONCLUSION(S) This large study evaluates the combined use of putative serum markers for the diagnosis of endometriosis, rather than the use of each singly. Using the serum concentration of four markers in a two-tiered decision rule, nearly half of the subjects in this population would have been diagnosed (and could have avoided surgery) with 93% accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Seeber
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xuejun Fan
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - George L Gerton
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alka Shaunik
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jesse Chittams
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kurt T Barnhart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Szymanowski K. Apoptosis pattern in human endometrium in women with pelvic endometriosis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2007; 132:107-10. [PMID: 16698169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2006.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2005] [Revised: 03/22/2006] [Accepted: 04/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the present study we aimed to describe apoptosis patterns in eutopic endometrium in women suffering from endometriosis in order to assess its value as a marker of early forms of endometriosis, and also to try to answer whether endometriosis is caused by changes within the eutopic endometrium or whether endometriotic lesions change the characteristics of eutopic endometrium. STUDY DESIGN The study was performed on 125 women treated in Division of Reproduction. In 52 patients peritoneal endometriosis was diagnosed (I(0)-23; II(0)-29). Seventy-three patients in whom no endometriotic foci could be found at laparoscopy were qualified as the control group. Endometrial biopsy 7-9 days after ovulation was taken for assessment of apoptosis (TUNEL) and routine histology. RESULTS Apoptosis indices in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis were lower compared to women without endometriosis. In the endometrial glands apoptosis indices were 2.94+/-1.66 versus 5.23+/-2.06 (p<0.01) in the group of women with and without endometriosis, respectively. In the endometrial stroma apoptosis indices were estimated at 2.04+/-1.72 in women with endometriosis and 4.12+/-1.62 in the control group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The observed changes could support the hypothesis of the different properties of eutopic endometrium in endometriotic women as a causing factor of peritoneal endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Szymanowski
- Department of Mother's and Child's Health, University of Medical Sciences, Polna 33, 60-535 Poznan, Poland.
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Rojas-Cartagena C, Appleyard CB, Santiago OI, Flores I. Experimental Intestinal Endometriosis Is Characterized by Increased Levels of Soluble TNFRSF1B and Downregulation of Tnfrsf1a and Tnfrsf1b Gene Expression1. Biol Reprod 2005; 73:1211-8. [PMID: 16093357 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.044131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is commonly associated with symptoms similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to erroneous diagnosis and inappropriate management. The role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) in IBD is well established, but its role in endometriosis--also characterized by the activation of inflammatory mechanisms--is still under study. Furthermore, little is known about the involvement of TNF receptors. Intestinal endometriosis was surgically induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10). Control rats (n = 10) received sutures with no implants. Samples of tissue and fluids were collected 60 days after surgery. Endometriotic implants were classified in grades, and the gastrointestinal tract was examined for damage. A significant increase was observed in protein levels of TNF and soluble TNFRSF1B in the peritoneal fluid of experimental rats compared to controls. Expression of Tnf mRNA was significantly increased both in peritoneal leukocytes and in intestinal segments associated with implants in experimental animals. Bioactivity of TNF in tissues was confirmed by overexpression of Icam1, Sele, Vegfa, Flt1 and Kdr. Gene expression of Tnfrsf1a and Tnfrsf1b was downregulated in colon and small intestine of experimental animals, possibly as a mechanism of protection against TNF cytotoxicity. Significant overexpression of genes encoding TNF receptor-associated factors that have been linked to activation of antiapoptotic pathways also was observed. Overexpression of TNF and target genes, underexpression of TNF-receptor genes, and increased shedding of TNFRSF1B in this animal model provide further evidence for involvement of the TNF system in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Down-Regulation
- E-Selectin/genetics
- Endometriosis/genetics
- Endometriosis/metabolism
- Endometriosis/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
- Intestinal Diseases/genetics
- Intestinal Diseases/metabolism
- Intestinal Diseases/pathology
- Leukocyte Count
- Peritoneum/cytology
- Peritoneum/pathology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I/metabolism
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II/genetics
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II/metabolism
- Solubility
- TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 1/genetics
- TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/genetics
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/genetics
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Teramoto M, Kitawaki J, Koshiba H, Kitaoka Y, Obayashi H, Hasegawa G, Nakamura N, Yoshikawa T, Matsushita M, Maruya E, Saji H, Ohta M, Honjo H. Genetic contribution of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gene promoter (-1031, -863 and -857) and TNF receptor 2 gene polymorphisms in endometriosis susceptibility. Am J Reprod Immunol 2004; 51:352-7. [PMID: 15212671 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2004.00168.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a major cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms at positions -1031, -863 and -857 in the TNF gene promoter region (TNFA) and TNF receptor type 2 gene (TNFR2) are responsible in part for genetic susceptibility to endometriosis. METHODS OF STUDY TNFA and TNFR2 polymorphisms were determined in 123 patients with endometriosis and 165 fertile healthy women by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - preferential homoduplex formation assay and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, respectively. RESULTS The frequency of the TNFA-U01 haplotype was increased significantly in patients with endometriosis compared with controls (P = 0.045, OR = 1.45). The TNFA-U01 haplotype was strongly associated with HLA-B*0702. No difference was found in TNFR2 polymorphism between patients and controls. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that TNFA promoter polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to endometriosis. However, this association was not independent of HLA-class I polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Teramoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
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Rong R, Ramachandran S, Santanam N, Murphy AA, Parthasarathy S. Induction of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in peritoneal mesothelial and endometrial cells by oxidized low-density lipoprotein and peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2002; 78:843-8. [PMID: 12372466 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(02)03333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis on monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) production by peritoneal mesothelial cells and endometrial cells. DESIGN In vitro study. SETTING University medical center. PATIENT(S) Five women undergoing surgery for pelvic pain, infertility, or endometriosis; five women without endometriosis who were undergoing tubal ligation were the controls. INTERVENTION(S) Mesothelial cells and endometrial cells in culture were treated with oxidized LDL and peritoneal fluid from control and endometriosis patients, then MCP-1 levels were measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) ELISA was used to measure MCP-1 in the culture supernatants exposed to oxidized LDL and peritoneal fluid from control and endometriosis patients. Cellular MCP-1 messenger RNA expression was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. RESULT(S) Treatment with oxidized LDL caused an increase in accumulation of immunoreactive MCP-1 in the medium of cultured mesothelial and endometrial cells (primary endometrial stromal cells and endometrial cell line EM42). The mesothelial cells secreted more MCP-1 than did endometrial cells under the culture condition. The EM42 cells cultured in the presence of peritoneal fluid from endometriosis patients secreted more MCP-1 than those cultured with peritoneal fluid from normal women. However, no differences were found in MCP-1 levels in the supernatant of endometrial stromal cells cultured with peritoneal fluid. CONCLUSION(S) This is the first report of MCP-1 expression in mesothelial cells induced by oxidized LDL, and provides direct evidence of inflammatory action of peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Rong
- Emory Center for Advanced Research on Women's Health, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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Calhaz-Jorge C, Costa AP, Barata M, Santos MC, Melo A, Palma-Carlos ML. Tumour necrosis factor alpha concentrations in the peritoneal fluid of infertile women with minimal or mild endometriosis are lower in patients with red lesions only than in patients without red lesions. Hum Reprod 2000; 15:1256-60. [PMID: 10831551 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/15.6.1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) of peritoneal fluid is believed to have important pro-inflammatory and angiogenic activities in the complex mechanisms of development of peritoneal endometriotic lesions. We have evaluated the concentrations of TNFalpha and macrophages in peritoneal fluid of infertile women with minimal or mild endometriosis and related them to the presence of peritoneal red lesions alone (red lesions only group; n = 11) or their absence (non-red lesions group; n = 36). A group of 39 infertile normo-ovulatory patients with normal pelvic anatomy was used as controls. TNFalpha concentrations did not differ between controls and either group of patients. Patients with red lesions only had significantly lower concentrations of TNFalpha in peritoneal fluid (P < 0.05) and had a higher proportion of samples with undetectable concentrations (P < 0.05) than patients without red lesions. The significant difference in TNFalpha concentrations was present when comparing the groups of patients in the proliferative phase but not in the secretory phase. Macrophage concentrations were not different in the groups. Our findings are compatible with an impairment of macrophage function and therefore lend support to the theory that an inappropriate immunological response of the peritoneal environment to regurgitated endometrium may play a part in the initial phases of endometriotic implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Calhaz-Jorge
- Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa Codex, Portugal.
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Liu Y, Luo L, Zhao H. Changes of cytokines levels in peritoneal fluids of patients with endometriosis and its effect on reproductive activity. Curr Med Sci 2000; 20:163-5. [PMID: 12845737 DOI: 10.1007/bf02887062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2000] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To study the changes of cytokines in peritoneal fluids of patients with endometriosis and their effects on reproductive activity, levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in peritoneal fluids and peritoneal macrophages' culture supernatant were studied by using enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) in 14 infertile patients with endometriosis (EMT group) and 11 infertile women with normal pelvis (control group). The effects of peritoneal fluids in patients with endometriosis in vitro on sperm motility and development of 2-cell mouse embryos were also studied. The results showed that the levels of TNF and IL-6 in peritoneal fluids and peritoneal macrophages' supernatant in EMT group were elevated significantly as compared with those in the control group (P < 0.01). The percent of sperm straight line movement and total sperm motility were decreased significantly in EMT group (P < 0.01). The percent of 2-cell mouse embryos developing to 16-cells was 32.5% in EMT group, while 47.6% in control group after 48 h co-culture with peritoneal fluid (P < 0.01). It is likely that the elevation of peritoneal fluid cytokines in patients with endometriosis may play a role in infertility associated with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Xiehe Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan 430022
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Witz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 78284-7836, USA
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Abstract
A more thorough understanding of the mechanisms associated with the cause and pathophysiology of endometriosis may help in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods for the management of endometriosis. Research has begun to enhance our understanding of endometriosis by demonstrating the differences and similarites between eutopic and ectopic endometrium, and by characterizing the peritoneal environment. Animal models have been developed and validated to conduct studies that are ethically impossible in women. Recently, cell culture models, using purified populations of cells from endometriotic lesions, have provided an appropriate in vitro endometriosis model to study the language by which cells communicate; to evaluate the biochemical effects of steroids, growth factors, pharmacological agents and immunomodulatory agents on the cells; and to study the effects of endometriosis on reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Sharpe-Timms
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, USA
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