Immunology Of Endometriosis

Immunology of Endometriosis: Etiology and Management, a volume in the Reproductive Immunology series, provides updates on one of most common gynecological diseases, including basic science concepts and their clinical applications related to endometriosis immunology. Various immunological factors are believed to play roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, providing potential targets for the disease. Endometriosis is now considered to be a disease of both endocrine and immune dysregulation. However, recognition of the direct involvement of two major physiological mechanisms brings about a change of focus which might represent an interesting advance in the understanding of this disease and new focus for further research. Provides detailed immunological background to help readers understand etiology and management of endometriosis Evaluates various immunological factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis Presents a detailed evaluation of the knowledge related to each immune cell type in endometriosis

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like endometrial cells, glands, and stroma outside the uterus, causing a strong inflammatory-like microenvironment in the affected tissue. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is unknown, but estimates range from 2%-10% of women of reproductive age to 50% of infertile women. The etiopathogenesis of endometriosis remains controversial-immune, hormonal, genetic, and epigenetic factors may all be involved, and several theories have been proposed to explain it. This book aims to summarize some of the most recent advancements in basic and translational science (immunology, cell biology, genetics, and epigenetics) in the field of endometriosis that may create new scenarios and change our perspective of the topic.

Immunology of Reproduction is a comprehensive review that describes the latest developments in reproductive immunology. The book focuses on the broad areas of infertility, pregnancy loss, and immunocontraception. Specific topics covered within infertility include the significance of antisperm antibodies and the sperm antigens involved, cell-mediated immunity, pathogenesis of endometriosis, and reproductive immunology of HIV infection. The section on pregnancy loss describes the unique role that immunology plays during pregnancy, both in fetal survival as well as in fetal demise. The book's section on immunocontraception describes the latest status of anti-hCG birth control vaccine and the development of potential contraceptive vaccines based upon LHRH, FSH, sperm and zona pellucida antigens. Immunology of Reproduction is a "must have" reference volume for all scientists working in andrology, fertilization, and embryology. Clinical practitioners working in reproductive endocrinology and maternal-fetal medicine will find the volume indispensable.

This book presents current research in the study of the risk factors, symptoms and management of endometriosis. Topics discussed in this compilation include the association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer; modalities from science in the prevention of endometriosis; immunology as a risk factor and its role in the development of endometriosis; oxidative stress as a risk factor in endometriosis; association of bone morphogenetic protein 6 with endometriosis classification; clinical and surgical management of endometriosis-related infertility; choosing the right surgery for endometriosis and pelvic pain; the use of transvaginal ultrasound in the prediction of Pouch of Douglas Obliteration in women with suspected endometriosis; maintenance therapy after conservative surgery for moderate and severe endometriosis; the phosphoinositide signal transduction pathway in endometriosis; and the genetic factors contributing to endometriosis.

What are the objectives of the genetic study of individuals? There is great interest from the medical community and also much concern from the lay press about the potential benefits and harms of genetic screening, gene therapy, and even the possibility of cloning individuals. The current use of genetic tests for the detection and treatment of endometriosis is still at an early stage but very important. The determination of susceptibility markers will be increasingly explored in clinical studies and their uses will be much more defined. Still, it seems increasingly likely that major changes will occur over the next decade in how we evaluate and treat our patients. In particular, surgeons and clinicians will have the opportunity to use a number of new tests to predict the future appearance of endometriosis in patients still free of the disease. They may have the power to explore the best therapeutic modality for a particular patient according to his/her genetic makeup. And they will be able to more specifically target prevention measures for family members of people already affected by the disease. It should be understood that molecular diagnosis, especially in asymptomatic individuals, does not mean disease but an increased risk of developing a disease. Ethical implications exist and should not be underestimated. Patients should be advised about the likely implications of such tests, not only after but especially before the achievement of these. A major step has already been overcome and we currently have the basic tools for a new leap in understanding human pathologies responsible for much of the world's mortality. Bridging the great barrier that still separates this basic knowledge and clinical practice is quite a significant challenge.

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like endometrial cells, glands, and stroma outside the uterus, causing a strong inflammatory-like microenvironment in the affected tissue. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is unknown, but estimates range from 2%-10% of women of reproductive age to 50% of infertile women. The etiopathogenesis of endometriosis remains controversial--immune, hormonal, genetic, and epigenetic factors may all be involved, and several theories have been proposed to explain it.This book aims to summarize some of the most recent advancements in basic and translational science (immunology, cell biology, genetics, and epigenetics) in the field of endometriosis that may create new scenarios and change our perspective of the topic.

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like endometrial cells, glands, and stroma outside the uterus, causing a strong inflammatory-like microenvironment in the affected tissue. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is unknown, but estimates range from 2%-10% of women of reproductive age, to 50% of infertile women. Its etiopathogenesis of endometriosis still remains controversial--immune, hormonal, genetic, and epigenetic factors may be all involved, and several theories have been proposed to explain it.This book aims to summarize recent ground-breaking studies that may open new scenarios and change the perspective of the topic, including cutting-edge elements about diagnosis, pharmacologic and surgical treatments, as well as basic/translational science (immunology, cell biology, genetics, and epigenetics) pieces of evidence, to unravel new pathways to follow for the future diagnosis and management of endometriosis, and to improve our current knowledge of its aetiology.

Adolescent endometriosis is a previously overlooked disease in children, the true prevalence of which is still unknown but has been estimated between 19-73%. There are numerous initial challenges faced by adolescents suffering from delayed or undiagnosed endometriosis apart from experiencing chronic pain, such as: school/work absenteeism, false diagnoses/treatments, erroneous physician referrals, unnecessary radiological studies, radiation exposure, and emergency room visits as well as early exposure to narcotic pain medications and subsequent drug tolerance, resistance or even addiction. This text presents a clear history of physician and patient understanding and awareness of endometriosis in adolescents. It lays the groundwork for this condition with background information on endometriosis in general followed by a more focused look at endometriosis in adolescents. Leading experts in the field provide chapters on the different locations where endometriotic lesions can present in adolescents as well as identified risk factors and concomitant diseases of which it is important to be aware. In addition to the clinical presentation, this book also provides information on breaking down existing barriers, such as stigma, and current activism and awareness of this condition. Adolescent Endometriosis is a first-of-its-kind text that focuses exclusively on endometriosis in the adolescent population. Written by experts in the field, this book is a comprehensive resource for clinicians in all medical disciplines that treat adolescent age girls.