Molecular Bases Of 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.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have become a significant part of human reproduction, with already one in 50 children worldwide being born through ART and the demand steadily increasing. To accommodate the various kinds of infertility problems, new methods have been developed to increase IVF and ART success rates and it has also become possible to treat sperm, eggs, and embryos in culture to improve reproductive success, to increase the health state of an embryo, and to prevent disease in the developing child. Human Reproduction: Updates and New Horizons focuses on recent developments and new approaches to study egg and sperm cells and embryo development, as well as addressing the increasing demand for IVF and ART to overcome infertility problems of various kinds that are encountered by an increasing number of couples worldwide. The book includes 10 chapters written by experts in their specific fields to provide information on sperm selection techniques and their relevance to ART; In vitro maturation of human oocytes: current practices and future promises; Molecular biology of endometriosis; Novel immunological aspects for the treatment of age-induced ovarian and testicular infertility, other functional diseases, and early and advanced cancer immunotherapy; Mitochondrial manipulation for infertility treatment and disease prevention; Novel imaging techniques to assess gametes and preimplantation embryos; Clinical application of methods to select in vitro fertilized embryos; New horizons/developments in time-lapse morphokinetic analysis of mammalian embryos; The non-human primate model for early human development; Cytoskeletal functions, defects, and dysfunctions affecting human fertilization and embryo development. This book will appeal to a large interdisciplinary audience, including researchers from both the basic science and medical communities. It will be a valuable reference for IVF clinicians, patients and prospective patients who are considering ART procedures, embryologists, cell biologists and students in the field of reproduction.

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.

The structural, biochemical and clinical events related to menstruation, implantation, parturition, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial cancer are discussed in this comprehensive volume on the biological functions of the endometrium. New topics, such as the biochemical and molecular mechanisms regulating maternal embryonic interaction, are explored, and gynecologic endoscopy and therapeutic tools are discussed. The proceedings of the first conference is also available from the Academy, as volume 622 of The Annals of The New York Academy of Science.

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.

Written by an internationally well-known editor team, Endometriosis: Science and Practice is a state-of-the-art guide to this surprisingly common disease. While no cause for endometriosis has been determined, information of recent developments are outlined in this text, offering insight to improve management of symptoms medically or surgically. The first of its kind, this major textbook integrates scientific and clinical understanding of this painful disease helping to provide better patient care.

Endometriosis is a complex gynecological disorder with multifactorial etiology. An estrogen-dependent condition, it affects 6% to 10% of women in the general population, and in 35% to 50% of these women often experience pain, and sometimes infertility. Exploring this benign but chronic disease, the book covers the different aspects of endometriosis from basic to advanced levels, including diagnoses, management, treatment modalities, complications, and fertility. Features Provides an overview of the guidelines, expert opinions, and ethical dilemmas involved with endometriosis. Covers the various complications that these women can experience Presents informative illustrations that complement the text discussion An overview of surgery, hormone therapy, and other options is provided In-depth coverage of novel treatments, including alternative medicine, diet, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications