Around 200 million women worldwide live with endometriosis, a painful condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This often leads to severe pain and infertility.
Despite being as common in the U.S. as Type 2 diabetes, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis remains underrecognized and misunderstood. Many people, including healthcare professionals, are not familiar with the condition, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study involving Michigan State University (MSU) researchers could help change that. Funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Endometriosis Foundation of America, the study may pave the way for new non-hormonal therapies. These new treatments could be life-changing, especially since many patients wait seven to ten years for a diagnosis.
Endometriosis Often Begins in Adolescence
“Endometriosis usually starts when girls begin menstruating, sometimes as early as eight years old,” said Dr. Asgi Fazleabas, co-director of MSU’s Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Training Program. “Many suffer from severe pelvic pain during their teenage years, which can disrupt their education and social lives.”
Currently, the only way to confirm endometriosis is through laparoscopy, a surgical procedure. Doctors are often hesitant to recommend surgery for young girls, which further delays diagnosis. In adult women, other conditions like fibroids or adenomyosis can make diagnosis even more difficult.
Study Uncovers Immune System Link
The new study, published in iScience, reveals how cells involved in endometriosis interact with immune system cells called macrophages. These cells normally help fight infections and repair tissue.
“What we found is that the epithelial cells in endometriosis lesions can communicate with macrophages and change how they behave,” said Fazleabas. Instead of cleaning up abnormal tissue, these macrophages support its growth, worsening the condition.
Understanding this cellular communication provides a starting point for developing treatments that don’t rely on hormones. This could be especially important for patients who can’t take hormonal medications or want to avoid their side effects.
Researchers hope this breakthrough will lead to faster diagnoses and more effective treatments, offering relief to millions of women around the world.
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