Metabolomics reveals perturbations in endometrium and serum of minimal and mild endometriosis Original paper
Researched by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
-
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
-
Endometriosis
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
-
Metabolomic Signature
Metabolomic Signature
Metabolomic signatures are unique metabolite patterns linked to specific biological conditions, identified through metabolomics. They reveal underlying biochemical activities, aiding in disease diagnosis, biomarker development, and personalized medicine. The microbiome significantly affects these signatures, influencing health and disease outcomes through metabolic interactions.
-
Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
-
Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
What Was Studied?
This study investigated the metabolic perturbations in eutopic endometrial tissue and serum of women with minimal and mild endometriosis (Stages I and II) using ^1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics. The researchers aimed to identify specific metabolites that could be potential biomarkers for the early, non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. The study included multivariate and univariate analyses to identify metabolite changes and their diagnostic potential.
Who Was Studied?
The study included 95 women diagnosed with endometriosis (staged using the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine criteria) and 24 healthy fertile controls. The participants were recruited from Eastern India and Bangladesh, with exclusion criteria ensuring no confounding conditions such as ovarian tumors or pelvic inflammatory disease. Blood and eutopic endometrial tissue samples were collected during the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle.
What Were the Most Important Findings?
Women with minimal and mild endometriosis exhibited significant metabolic alterations, particularly in amino acids. Alanine, lysine, leucine, proline, and phenylalanine levels were notably dysregulated in serum, with tissue samples showing lower levels of these metabolites, except for proline, which positively correlated with serum levels. Alanine alone demonstrated diagnostic potential for Stage I endometriosis, with 90% sensitivity and 58% specificity.
For Stage II, phenylalanine achieved 100% sensitivity but had lower specificity, while a combined panel of metabolites improved diagnostic accuracy, reaching 100% sensitivity and 83% specificity.
In advanced stages, elevated taurine and myo-inositol levels were linked to increased cell proliferation and angiogenesis, highlighting similarities with tumorigenic processes. These findings underscore the critical role of metabolic shifts in endometriosis progression, particularly involving amino acids and nucleotide synthesis, and suggest their utility in early detection and non-invasive diagnostics.
What Are the Greatest Implications of This Study?
This study underscores the potential of metabolomic signatures in elucidating the pathophysiology of endometriosis and developing non-invasive diagnostic tools, especially for early stages where traditional biomarkers like CA-125 are less effective. By identifying a panel of serum metabolites, the research provides a foundation for improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for invasive laparoscopy. Additionally, the observed metabolic similarities between endometriosis and malignancies could inspire further exploration of shared mechanisms, potentially broadening therapeutic targets.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain and infertility. Validated and Promising Interventions include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Low Nickel Diet, and Metronidazole therapy.
Metabolomic Signature
Metabolomic signatures are unique metabolite patterns linked to specific biological conditions, identified through metabolomics. They reveal underlying biochemical activities, aiding in disease diagnosis, biomarker development, and personalized medicine. The microbiome significantly affects these signatures, influencing health and disease outcomes through metabolic interactions.