Posted by Article on 9/7/2001, 5:01 pm

Endometriosis May Be an Autoimmune Disease -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WESTPORT, CT (Reuters Health) Sept 06 - Immunomodulating therapy may be an alternative to traditional estrogens as a treatment for endometriosis. Dr. Warren B. Nothnick, of the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, says that in a review of the literature he found "overwhelming evidence" of a role for immunologic factors, particularly cytokines, in the pathophysiology and etiology of endometriosis. In particular, he says, research results show that levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) are elevated in patients with endometriosis. Given the success of TNF-alpha inhibitors in treating other immunologic disorders, Dr. Nothnick proposes examining these therapies as an option for treating endometriosis. Disturbed levels of other cytokines, cell apoptosis, and T- and B-cell abnormalities have also been observed in patients with endometriosis, he notes in the August issue of Fertility and Sterility. "What we as researchers and physicians need to be aware of is that many factors and pathways can contribute to the growth and progression of endometriosis and the cytokines may be one commonality among these factors or pathways," Dr. Nothnick told Reuters Health. While for now there is only a small amount of evidence to support an immunologic approach to treating endometriosis, he believes "we need to explore all possibilities and take advantage of today's technologies." "A treatment that could suppress the disease and its symptoms independently of compromising a women's reproductive cyclicity would hold great promise," he noted. Fertil Steril 2001;76:223-231.