Treating endometriosis as an autoimmune disease.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on the role of autoimmunity in the etiology of endometriosis, compare the similarities in the pathophysiologies between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases, and discuss the use of immunomodulators currently used to treat autoimmune diseases as potential therapies for endometriosis.


METHODS
The literature on endometriosis and other autoimmune diseases was reviewed, and summary data are presented.


RESULTS
Endometriosis shares many similarities with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. These similarities include elevated levels of cytokines, decreased cell apoptosis, and T- and B-cell abnormalities. Because the use of immunomodulators and inflammatory modulators has proven to be an effective means of medical management for these autoimmune diseases, similar therapies may prove useful in treating endometriosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although substantial evidence indicates that endometriosis at least shares many similarities with autoimmune diseases, endometriosis is primarily treated by using compounds that induce a hypoestrogenic environment. A review of the literature combined with the shortcomings of current means of medical management for endometriosis support the postulate that treatment of endometriosis with immunomodulators and inflammatory modulators is warranted.
Nothnick
W B
WB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA. wnothnic@kumc.edu
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic