Efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in the treatment of spontaneous endometriosis in baboons.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy (etanercept) for treating endometriosis in baboons.


METHODS
A randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study using the baboon endometriosis model.


METHODS
Southwest National Primate Research Center.


METHODS
Twelve female baboons with spontaneous peritoneal endometriosis.


METHODS
Etanercept (n = 8) or sterile water (n = 4) was administered subcutaneously three times per week.


METHODS
After 8 weeks, the number, color, and surface area of peritoneal lesions was evaluated. Revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine staging was used.


RESULTS
A statistically significant decrease in red lesion surface area in the treatment group was observed. A trend toward a decrease in the absolute number of red lesions was noted in the treatment group. White and black lesion number and total surface area slightly increased in both groups but failed to achieve statistical significance. Endometriosis was diagnosed in 60% of captive-born baboons with primary infertility.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that etanercept effectively reduces the amount of spontaneously occurring active endometriosis in the baboon.
Barrier
Breton F
BF
Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA. breton.barrier@lackland.af.mil
Bates
G Wright
GW
Leland
M Michelle
MM
Leach
D Alan
DA
Robinson
Randal D
RD
Propst
Anthony M
AM
D000818:Animals; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000068800:Etanercept; D005260:Female; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010215:Papio; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000473:pathology; D018419:Primate Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000068800:Etanercept