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A Syngeneic Murine Model of Endometriosis using Naturally Cycling Mice
Published on: November 24, 2020
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Endometriosis promotes atherosclerosis in a murine model
Ramanaiah Mamillapalli1, Nikoletta Toffoloni1, Shutaro Habata1
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 30, 2022
Summary
Endometriosis accelerates atherosclerosis in mice by increasing inflammation and reducing aortic lumen size. Early detection and treatment of endometriosis are crucial for reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Inflammation Biology
Background:
- Epidemiologic studies link endometriosis to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- The direct impact of endometriosis on atherosclerosis progression remains unclear.
- Endometriosis-induced systemic inflammation may negatively affect cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of endometriosis on atherosclerosis development in a murine model.
- To determine if endometriosis contributes to cardiovascular disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Apolipoprotein E-null mice underwent induced endometriosis or sham surgery.
- Atherosclerosis was assessed via Oil Red O staining, aortic root measurements (luminal area, wall thickness), and lipid/cytokine assays.
- Endometriotic lesion formation was confirmed after 25 weeks.
Main Results:
- Mice with endometriosis showed significantly increased aortic atherosclerosis (7.9% vs 3.1%) compared to controls.
- Endometriosis led to a 50% reduction in aortic luminal area and increased aortic root wall thickness.
- Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IFN-γ, VEGF) were elevated in endometriosis mice, with no changes in lipoprotein profiles.
Conclusions:
- Endometriosis exacerbates atherosclerosis in a murine model, likely mediated by inflammation.
- Elevated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IFN-γ, VEGF) from endometriotic lesions may drive increased CVD risk.
- Early identification and treatment of endometriosis, potentially targeting inflammatory pathways, are vital for mitigating long-term cardiovascular risks.
