Molecular Research in Uterine Physiology and Pathology

A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2024) | Viewed by 6809

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Human Reproduction Unit, Hospital das Clinicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Interests: human reproduction; endometriosis; infertility; IVF; ART

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Failed pregnancy, menstrual alterations and the tumorigenesis of the uterus are often related to uterine molecular alterations. Considering the importance of the endometrium and of the myometrium to reproductive success, as well as the well-being of women worldwide, these disorders have become the subjects of intense research in a variety of clinical settings. Significant efforts have been invested in defining the molecular alterations presented, especially in their pathophysiology. There has been exciting progress in understanding the molecular pathophysiology of various uterine diseases and dysfunction in recent years. Molecular alterations represent novel diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for those diseases and dysfunction. To date, specific biomarkers, as well as genetic or epigenetic alterations, have already been identified, generating a wealth of information on the molecular landscape of the human uterus. However, there is still the need to complement this information in light of the novel methodologies and innovative technical approaches. Therefore, IJMS is launching a Special Issue in Biomolecules, focusing on the molecular and intracellular mechanisms of the endometrium, myometrium and on its related disorders. Research papers and review articles that cover the progress made in the molecular profiles of the endometrium and myometrium will be included. In addition, articles and reviews on the molecular alterations underlying endometrium and myometrium-related pathologies will also be covered.

Dr. Paola Viganò
Dr. Maíra Casalechi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • endometrium
  • myometrium
  • endometriosis
  • uterine disorders
  • uterine molecular alterations
  • reproduction
  • implantation
  • endometrial cancer
  • uterine fluid
  • adenomyosis
  • leiomyoma
  • endometritis

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 206 KiB  
Editorial
“Shadow of a Doubt”—The Pathogenic Role of Endometrial Defects in Endometriosis Development and Endometriosis-Associated Infertility: Robust Demonstration of Clinical Relevance Is Still Urgently Needed
by Paola Viganò, Maíra Casalechi, Paolo Vercellini and Edgardo Somigliana
Biomolecules 2023, 13(4), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13040651 - 5 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1484
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma associated with fibrosis outside the uterine cavity [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Uterine Physiology and Pathology)

Research

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12 pages, 606 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of an Endometriosis Diagnostic Method Based on Serum Biomarkers and Clinical Variables
by Bárbara Herranz-Blanco, Elza Daoud, Paola Viganò, Juan Antonio García-Velasco and Enrico Colli
Biomolecules 2023, 13(7), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13071052 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2775
Abstract
Endometriosis affects more than 10% of women of reproductive age, significantly impacting their quality of life. Diagnosis typically takes 4 to 11 years from symptom onset. The gold standard for diagnosing this disease, laparoscopy, is invasive, contributing to this delay in diagnosis. Two [...] Read more.
Endometriosis affects more than 10% of women of reproductive age, significantly impacting their quality of life. Diagnosis typically takes 4 to 11 years from symptom onset. The gold standard for diagnosing this disease, laparoscopy, is invasive, contributing to this delay in diagnosis. Two studies were conducted to develop a diagnostic test based on the combination of serum biomarkers and clinical variables. Study 1, the development study, aimed to: (i) confirm the ability of CA125, BDNF and clinical variables to differentiate between cases and controls, and (ii) develop a diagnostic algorithm based on these results. Study 2 validated the clinical performance of the developed in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test in diagnosing endometriosis. Serum samples and clinical variables extracted from psychometric questionnaires were obtained from the Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre biobank (UK). Case/control classification was performed based on laparoscopy and histological verification of the excised lesions. Studies 1 and 2 included n = 204 and n = 79 patients, respectively. Study 1 found a statistically significant difference between cases and controls for levels of both biomarkers. Of the assessed clinical variables from the patients’ medical histories, six were found to be significantly different between endometriosis cases and controls. CA125, BDNF and these six clinical variables were combined into a multivariable prediction model. In Study 2, the IVD test demonstrated sensitivity and specificity values of 46.2% (25.5–66.8%) and 100% (86.7–100%), respectively. Due to its high specificity, this IVD test is a simple and accurate rule-in test for early disease identification, even in the presence of non-specific symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Uterine Physiology and Pathology)
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Review

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16 pages, 438 KiB  
Review
Are Adenomyosis and Endometriosis Phenotypes of the Same Disease Process?
by Marwan Habiba, Sun-Wei Guo and Giuseppe Benagiano
Biomolecules 2024, 14(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14010032 - 25 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2053
Abstract
In recent literature reviews, we concluded that the possibility that endometrial molecular aberrations are the sole or a necessary determinant of endometriosis and the Tissue Injury and Repair (TIAR) theory are yet to be convincingly proven. Here, we critically examine the theory that [...] Read more.
In recent literature reviews, we concluded that the possibility that endometrial molecular aberrations are the sole or a necessary determinant of endometriosis and the Tissue Injury and Repair (TIAR) theory are yet to be convincingly proven. Here, we critically examine the theory that adenomyosis and endometriosis represent different phenotypes of a single disease. A common etiopathology for adenomyosis and endometriosis has been suggested because both conditions entail the presence of endometrial tissue at locations other than the lining of the uterus. There are wide differences in reported disease incidence and prevalence and, consequently, in estimates of the coexistence of both conditions. There are some similarities but also differences in their clinical features and predisposing factors. Each condition has a range of subtypes. These differences alone pose the question of whether subtypes of endometriosis and adenomyosis have different etiopathologies, and, in turn, this raises the question of whether they all share a common etiology. It is debatable whether the recognized differences between the eutopic endometrium in adenomyosis and endometriosis compared to those in unaffected women are the cause or the effect of the disease. The finding of common mutations, particularly of KRAS, lend support to the notion of shared predisposing factors, but this alone is insufficient evidence of causation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Uterine Physiology and Pathology)
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