A selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor suppresses the growth of endometriosis with an antiangiogenic effect in a rat model.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the antiangiogenic effects of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor parecoxib on the growth of endometrial implants in a rat model of peritoneal endometriosis.


METHODS
Pharmacologic interventions in an experimental model of peritoneal endometriosis.


METHODS
Research laboratory in the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.


METHODS
Twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats with experimentally induced endometriosis.


METHODS
After implantation and establishment of autologous endometrium onto the peritoneum abdominal wall, rats were randomized into groups and treated with parecoxib or the vehicle by IM injection for 30 days.


METHODS
Vascular density, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor Flk-1, the distribution of activated macrophages, the expression of COX-2, and the prostaglandin concentration in the endometriotic lesions treated with parecoxib were analyzed.


RESULTS
The treatment significantly decreased the implant size, and histologic examination indicated mostly atrophy and regression. A reduction in microvessel density and in the number of macrophages, associated with decreased expression of VEGF and Flk-1, also were observed. The treatment group showed a low concentration of prostaglandin E(2).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the use of COX-2 selective inhibitors could be effective to suppress the establishment and growth of endometriosis, partially through their antiangiogenic activity.
Machado
Daniel Escorsim
DE
Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária-Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Berardo
Plínio Tostes
PT
Landgraf
Richardt Gama
RG
Fernandes
Patrícia Dias
PD
Palmero
Celia
C
Alves
Leandro Miranda
LM
Abrao
Maurício Simões
MS
Nasciutti
Luiz Eurico
LE
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D007555:Isoxazoles; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C467498:vascular endothelial growth factor A, rat; C409945:parecoxib; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C489691:Ptgs2 protein, rat; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2