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A Syngeneic Murine Model of Endometriosis using Naturally Cycling Mice
Published on: November 24, 2020
Is endometriosis due to evolutionary maladaptation?
Sezcan Mumusoglu1, Aaron J W Hsueh2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
Endometriosis may stem from evolutionary mismatches, where modern lifestyles increase menstrual cycles. Localized progesterone treatment offers a potential fertility-sparing approach for early-stage endometriosis.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary medicine
- Reproductive biology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Endometriosis, unlike infectious diseases, is theorized to arise from human evolutionary maladaptation.
- Primate evolution includes spontaneous decidualization, leading to menstruation when pregnancy doesn't occur.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on evolutionary factors contributing to endometriosis.
- To enhance understanding for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of evolutionary biology and endometriosis.
- Analysis of physiological differences between ancestral and modern lifestyles.
Main Results:
- Hunter-gatherer women likely had fewer menstrual cycles due to frequent pregnancies and lactation.
- Modern lifestyles with delayed childbearing increase cumulative menstrual cycles, potentially raising endometriosis risk.
Conclusions:
- A mismatch exists between evolved uterine physiology and modern reproductive patterns.
- Local progesterone intrauterine devices may manage endometriosis symptoms, preserve fertility, and minimize side effects.
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