Document Detail


Induction of a local pseudo-pregnancy via levonorgestrel-loaded microspheres for the treatment of endometriosis in a rabbit model.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19897855     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a chronic disease that responds to systemic pseudo-pregnancy therapy. However, side effects limit their long-term use, and recurrence often occurs after cessation of medication. Reducing side effects whereas improving therapeutic efficacy of pseudo-pregnancy therapy seems contradictory, but appealing. In order to address this dilemma, the efficacy and side effects of local pseudo-pregnancy therapy were investigated for the first time in an endometriosis animal model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Levonorgestrel-loaded polylactic acid microspheres (LNG-microspheres) were prepared by using an oil-in-water emulsification-solvent evaporation method. Rabbits with experimental endometriosis were randomized to treatment with local pseudo-pregnancy therapy, local blank microspheres, systemic pseudo-pregnancy therapy, ovariectomy or the control. Local pseudo-pregnancy was induced by injection of LNG-microspheres directly into endometrial cysts. Compared with the systemic pseudo-pregnancy group, significantly higher intra-cystic drug levels were maintained for at least 6 months with much lower serum levels in the local pseudo-pregnancy group (P < 0.01). The high intra-cystic levonorgestrel simulated a state of potent pregnancy, which induced size reductions and endometrial atrophy comparable to those of ovariectomy. Moreover, major metabolic parameters and ovarian function were not disturbed by local pseudo-pregnancy therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of a local pseudo-pregnancy could achieve therapeutic efficacy comparable to that of ovariectomy without provoking any marked side effects in a rabbit endometriosis model. Thus it may be a preferable option for patients with endometriosis.
Authors:
Peng Yuan; Yanhong Huang; Hong Wu; Zenghui Teng; Jianfang Zhang; Xiaoyan Xin
Related Documents :
3976725 - Reproductive counselling for multiple sclerosis patients.
20947075 - The risk of cytogenetic abnormalities in the late first trimester of pregnancies concei...
3585125 - Unsuccessful in vitro fertilization: a follow-up study.
8554435 - Higher pregnancy rates following treatment of cervical factor with intrauterine insemin...
20586545 - A multicenter, case?control study on risk factors for antepartum stillbirth.
20103495 - Pbde concentrations in women's serum and fecundability.
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2009-11-07
Journal Detail:
Title:  Human reproduction (Oxford, England)     Volume:  25     ISSN:  1460-2350     ISO Abbreviation:  Hum. Reprod.     Publication Date:  2010 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-01-14     Completed Date:  2010-03-16     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8701199     Medline TA:  Hum Reprod     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  462-9     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 17 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaan'xi 710032, China. ypfmmu@gmail.com
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Disease Models, Animal
Drug Delivery Systems
Endometriosis / drug therapy*,  pathology
Female
Levonorgestrel / administration & dosage*
Microspheres
Pregnancy
Pseudopregnancy / chemically induced*
Rabbits
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
797-63-7/Levonorgestrel

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Inhibition of proteases involved in embryo implantation by cholesterol sulfate.
Next Document:  Patenting human pluripotent cells: balancing commercial, academic and ethical interests.