Altered levels of acylcarnitines, phosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins in peritoneal fluid from ovarian endometriosis patients.

Endometriosis is a complex, polygenic, and estrogen-dependent disease that affects 6% to 10% of women of reproductive age, and 30% to 50% of women with infertility and/or pelvic pain. Surgical diagnosis of endometriosis is still the gold standard, as there are currently no diagnostic biomarkers available. Due to the invasive diagnostics, it can take up to 11 years before affected women are diagnosed and receive the appropriate treatment.

Impact of prostaglandin F2-alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on pain in patients undergoing thermal balloon endometrial ablation.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the correlation between prostaglandin F2-alpha and tumour necrosis factor-alpha concentration and that of pain experienced by patients undergoing thermal balloon ablation. Furthermore we evaluated the correlation between the endometrial and myometrial thicknesses and the degree of pain experienced by patients undergoing the procedure, and in addition the correlation between PGF2-alpha, TNF-alpha and endometrial and myometrial thicknesses. Single-arm cohort study (Canadian Task force classification II-2).

Disturbed balance between phase I and II metabolizing enzymes in ovarian endometriosis: a source of excessive hydroxy-estrogens and ROS?

Oxidative metabolism of estrogens was studied in 31 ovarian endometriosis and 29 normal endometrium samples, by qPCR. Expression was monitored for genes encoding five estrogen hydroxylating, five hydroxy (OH)-estrogen conjugating, and three estrogen quinone detoxifying enzymes. CYP1B1, COMT, NQO1, and GSTP1 protein levels were determined using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining.

Laparoscopic rectal resection of deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Purpose: Deep infiltrating endometriosis with colorectal involvement is a complex disorder, often requiring segmental bowel resection. Complete removal of all visible lesions is considered the adequate treatment of infiltrating endometriosis in order to reduce recurrence. In this article, we describe our experience with laparoscopic management of deep infiltrating endometriosis with involvement of the rectum.

Novel estrogen-related genes and potential biomarkers of ovarian endometriosis identified by differential expression analysis.

In the search for novel biomarkers of endometriosis, we selected 152 genes from the GeneLogic database based on results of genome-wide expression analysis of ovarian endometriosis, plus 20 genes related to estrogen metabolism and action. We then performed low-density array analysis of these 172 genes on 11 ovarian endometriosis samples and 9 control endometrium samples. Principal component analysis of the gene expression levels showed clear separation between the endometriosis and control groups.

Disturbed estrogen and progesterone action in ovarian endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a very common disease in pre-menopausal women, where defective metabolism of steroid hormones plays an important role in its development and promotion. In the present study, we have examined the expression of 11 estrogen and progesterone metabolizing enzymes and their corresponding receptors in samples of ovarian endometriomas and control endometrium. Expression analysis revealed significant up-regulation of enzymes involved in estradiol formation (aromatase, sulfatase and all reductive 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases) and in progesterone inactivation (AKR1C1 and AKR1C3).

Surgical treatment of adnexal masses in pregnancy: indications, surgical approach and pregnancy outcome.

Objective: To analyze the indications, surgical approach and pregnancy outcome in women undergoing surgical treatment of adnexal masses in pregnancy.

Study Design: In this retrospective study, 51 women were enrolled. Preoperative sonographic appearance, the size of the tumor, patient's age, gestational age at the time of surgery and pregnancy outcome following a laparoscopic and/or laparotomy approach were evaluated.

Expression analysis of the genes involved in estradiol and progesterone action in human ovarian endometriosis.

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within extrauterine sites, and it is well known that endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. The defective formation and metabolism of steroid hormones is responsible for the promotion and development of endometriosis. In the present study we examined the mRNA levels of six enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone--aromatase, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) types 1, 2 and 7, sulfatase and sulfotransferase--and of the steroid receptors--estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERalpha, ERbeta) and progesterone receptors A and B (PRAB)--implicated in human ovarian endometriosis.