Animal models for research on endometriosis.

Endometriosis results from the aberrant growth of endometrium outside the inner lining of the uterine cavity. Similar to humans, the primates also menstruate and hence, the primate models constitute the gold standard for studying the pathogenesis and potential treatment for this disabling disease in women. Due to the expense in carrying endometriosis research in primates, other models have been developed for understanding the pathobiology and potential treatment of endometriosis.

Tokishakuyakusan, a Kampo medicine, attenuates endometriosis-like lesions and hyperalgesia in murine with endometriosis-like symptoms.

Problem: How are the effects of Tokishakuyakusan (TSS), a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo) on murine endometriosis model?

Methods: BALB/c mice were used for making the murine endometriosis model. Homogeneous uterus was surgically implanted with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in peritoneal cavity. We administered 2 weeks of TSS (1.

New insights into the efficacy of SR-16234, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, on the growth of murine endometriosis-like lesions.

Problem: To evaluate the effects of SR-16234 (SR), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), on murine endometriosis-like lesions.

Method Of Study: BALB/c mice (n = 53) were used to establish the murine endometriosis model. Ovariectomized, estradiol replaced, 6-week-old murine endometriosis model were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without SR (1 mg/kg/d) or vehicle, over a period of 4 weeks.

Lipopolysaccharide promotes the development of murine endometriosis-like lesions via the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway.

Problem: Is lipopolysaccharide (LPS) involved in the development of endometriosis?

Method Of Study: BALB/c mice (n=69) were used for the murine endometriosis model. Mice with surgically induced endometriosis were injected with LPS intraperitoneally. After 4 weeks of LPS injections with or without the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor, the extent of endometriosis-like lesions was evaluated.

The Impact of Adenomyosis on Women's Fertility.

Until recently, adenomyosis has been associated with multiparity, not impaired fertility. Currently, adenomyosis is diagnosed with increasing frequency in infertile patients since women delay their first pregnancy until their late 30s or early 40s. Although an association between adenomyosis and infertility has not been fully established, based on the available information, recent studies suggested that adenomyosis has a negative impact on female fertility.

Clinical management of endometriosis-associated infertility.

Endometriosis is a common chronic benign disease that affects reproductive age women and causes chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite its prevalence, the exact mechanisms of the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated infertility are unknown, and precise standards of management have not yet been established. Medical and surgical treatments for endometriosis have different effects on the chance of conception, either spontaneously or via assisted reproductive technologies (ART).