Statins as Targeted "Magical Pills" for the Conservative Treatment of Endometriosis: May Potential Adverse Effects on Female Fertility Represent the "Dark Side of the Same Coin"? A Systematic Review of Literature.
The aim of the study was to analyze all the available evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the efficacy of statin therapy in the treatment of endometriosis, evaluating the potential efficacy, side effects, and contraindications of their administration in humans. We focused on defining the potential benefits that the administration of statins may have on patients affected by endometriosis and the possible adverse effects of such a therapy on ovarian function and fertility profile. According to our article selection criteria, we included in the review in vitro and in vivo studies performed on human or animal models. The systematic review of literature identified 24 eligible articles, 12 of which reported evidence regarding the effects of statins on endometrial/endometriotic cells and 12 regarding their effects on ovarian function and fertility. All articles seem to emphasize the utility of statin administration in the treatment of endometriosis due to their anti-proliferative/proapoptotic effects, their ability to reduce cell viability and migration, and the inhibition of angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory activities. Regarding the potential adverse effects on gonadal activities, steroidogenesis and fertility function, no conclusive data were collected in human models (excluding women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome in which significant decline of androgen levels was reported after statin treatment), while contrasting results were reported by studies conducted in in vitro and in vivo in animal models. Despite evidence supporting statins as the potential therapeutic agent for a targeted conservative treatment of endometriosis, the uncertainties regarding their impact on gonadal function may not define them as an appropriate therapy for all young fertile women.
Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Amerigo
A
Vitagliano
Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Marco
M
Noventa
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Michela
M
Quaranta
Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy ginecologia_padova@libero.it.
Salvatore
S
Gizzo
D000818:Animals; D000072700:Conservative Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
conservative treatment; effectiveness; endometriosis; fertility outcome; safety; statins pleiotropic effects; targeted therapy