Endometriosis and Microvascular Dysfunction: Role of Inflammation

Description

The purpose of this study is to better understand the underlying mechanisms associated with elevated cardiovascular disease risk in women with endometriosis, and to measure the effectiveness of emerging endometriosis treatments on outcomes specific to cardiovascular dysfunction. Epidemiologic data demonstrate a clear association between endometriosis, reproductive risk factors, inflammation and cardiovascular (CV) risk. Circulating factors, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL), are two of many biomarkers of cardiovascular and inflammatory disease of endometriosis. An important signaling mechanism through which circulating LDL and oxLDL act is the lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1). LOX-1 signal transduction functionally results in pronounced endothelial dysfunction, a hallmark of CV. The investigators hypothesis that one factor mediating the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in endometriosis is systemic inflammation and activation of LOX-1 receptor mechanisms.

Conditions

Endometriosis

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to better understand the underlying mechanisms associated with elevated cardiovascular disease risk in women with endometriosis, and to measure the effectiveness of emerging endometriosis treatments on outcomes specific to cardiovascular dysfunction. Epidemiologic data demonstrate a clear association between endometriosis, reproductive risk factors, inflammation and cardiovascular (CV) risk. Circulating factors, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL), are two of many biomarkers of cardiovascular and inflammatory disease of endometriosis. An important signaling mechanism through which circulating LDL and oxLDL act is the lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1). LOX-1 signal transduction functionally results in pronounced endothelial dysfunction, a hallmark of CV. The investigators hypothesis that one factor mediating the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in endometriosis is systemic inflammation and activation of LOX-1 receptor mechanisms.

Mechanisms and Interventions Addressing Accelerated Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Endometriosis

Endometriosis and Microvascular Dysfunction: Role of Inflammation

Condition
Endometriosis
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

University Park

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States, 16801

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Healthy women between the ages of 18 and 45 years (Controls), taking oral contraceptive or with regular menses every 26-34 days
  • * Women between the ages of 18 and 45 years with endometriosis (diagnosis by prior laparoscopy by subject's own physician \<5 years prior, and reported by the subject to the researchers)
  • * Tylenol if the subject has acute pain is allowed
  • * Contraceptive use is allowed
  • * Use of nicotine-containing products (e.g. smoking, chewing tobacco, etc.)
  • * Diabetes (HbA1C 6.5%)
  • * BP\>140/90
  • * Taking pharmacotherapy that could alter peripheral vascular control (e.g. insulin sensitizing, cardiovascular medications)
  • * Pregnancy
  • * Breastfeeding
  • * Taking illicit and/or recreational drugs
  • * Abnormal liver function
  • * Rash, skin disease, disorders of pigmentation, known skin allergies
  • * Diagnosed or suspected metabolic or cardiovascular disease
  • * Persistent unexplained elevations of serum transaminases
  • * Known allergy to latex or investigative substances (including salsalate or simvastatin)
  • * History of gastrointestinal bleeding

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 45 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

FEMALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Penn State University,

Study Record Dates

2026-12-31