“Cellular Atlas” could be a step against endometriosis

By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 11, 2023 (HealthDay News) — There are few good treatment options for the millions of women struggling with the severe pain caused by endometriosis, but researchers say a new “cellular atlas” could help.

“Endometriosis has been an understudied disease in part because of limited cellular data that has hampered the development of effective treatments. In this study, we applied a new technology called single-cell genomics, which allowed us to profile the many different cell types contributing to disease,” study co-author Kate Lawrenson said in a press release from the medical center.

“This resource can now be used by researchers around the world to study specific cell types they specialize in, which will hopefully lead to more effective diagnosis and treatment for patients with endometriosis. “said Lawrenson, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology. .

“It’s really a game-changer,” she added.

After analyzing the individual cells, the researchers were able to identify molecular differences between major endometriosis subtypes, including peritoneal disease and ovarian endometrioma, Lawrenson said.

In endometriosis, cells in the lining of the uterus, or cells that are similar, grow in the wrong places, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and abdominal cavity.

About 10% of women live with endometriosis, usually during their childbearing years. They can suffer from chronic pain, infertility, headaches, fatigue, and bowel and bladder dysfunction with few good treatment options.

Cedars-Sinai researchers collected cellular data from 21 patients. Some of the patients had endometriosis and some had no disease.

The findings could lead to improved care for women with the condition, the study authors said.

“Identifying these cellular differences at such a detailed level should allow us to better understand origins, natural progression and potential therapeutic targets for treatment. We are currently limited to hormone therapy and surgical excision, with variable success and frequent disease recurrence,” the co-author said. Dr. Matthew Siedhoffvice president of gynecology.

Researchers are using the cell atlas in lab tests involving mice.

SOURCE: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, press release, January 9, 2023

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