Presence of metalloestrogens in ectopic endometrial tissue
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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.
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Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
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 presence of metalloestrogens in ectopic endometrial tissue from women with endometriosis. Metalloestrogens, heavy metals that can mimic estrogen and may contribute to estrogen-dependent diseases, were the focus, particularly regarding their potential role in the persistence and pathology of endometriosis. The researchers specifically analyzed levels of cadmium, nickel, and lead in ectopic endometrial samples using advanced metal detection techniques, Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFASS).
Who was studied?
The study included fifty women of reproductive age diagnosed with endometriosis via laparoscopy or laparotomy at the Professorial Gynecology Unit of the National Hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka, during 2009-2010. The participants underwent these procedures for diagnosis or treatment, and endometriotic tissue samples were collected during surgery. The participants presented with varied symptoms like infertility, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, and endometriomas.
What were the most important findings?
The study found significant levels of cadmium, nickel, and lead in all ectopic endometrial tissue samples. Specifically, geometric mean concentrations were reported as follows: cadmium (2.861 μg/Kg), nickel (17.547 μg/Kg), and lead (25.785 μg/Kg). The concentrations varied by tissue site, with the ovarian endometrioma wall showing higher, though not statistically significant, metal levels than pelvic endometrial patches or nodules in the pouch of Douglas.
Implications
This study is one of the first to identify and quantify metalloestrogens in ectopic endometrial tissue, shedding light on a possible environmental and molecular link to endometriosis. It underscores the mechanism by which these metals could perpetuate endometriosis, given their ability to interact with estrogen receptors in ectopic tissue. The implications are substantial for public health, especially given the widespread environmental exposure to metals such as cadmium, nickel, and lead. These findings suggest that environmental pollution may play a significant role in the etiology and progression of endometriosis, calling for further investigation into the estrogen-mimicking properties of environmental metals and their regulation. Additionally, the study highlights the need for preventive measures to reduce heavy metal exposure to nickel and lead, particularly among women susceptible to estrogen-related diseases.
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.
Metalloestrogens
Metalloestrogens are metals that activate the estrogen receptor in the absence of estradiol.
Infertility
Infertility is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. It affects both men and women and can be due to various physical, hormonal, or genetic factors. Treatments include medication, surgery, assisted reproductive technologies, and lifestyle changes.
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP)
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is persistent pain in the pelvic region lasting six months or longer, often multifactorial, impacting physical and emotional well-being, and associated with various medical conditions.
Endometriomas
An endometrioma is a type of ovarian cyst filled with old blood, arising from endometrial tissue outside the uterus, typically causing pain and potentially impacting fertility.
Nickel
Bacteria regulate transition metal levels through complex mechanisms to ensure survival and adaptability, influencing both their physiology and the development of antimicrobial strategies.
Metalloestrogens
Metalloestrogens are metals that activate the estrogen receptor in the absence of estradiol.
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.