Clinical relevance of the baboon as a model for the study of endometriosis

Objective: To review the value of the baboon as a model for the study of endometriosis. Data Identification and Selection: Studies performed at the Institute of Primate Research in Nairobi, Kenya (1990-1994), and published in peer-reviewed journals. Result(s): Spontaneous endometriosis was found in about 25% of the baboons, and its prevalence increased with the duration of captivity. The laparoscopic appearance, pelvic localization, and microscopic aspects of the disease were similar to endometriosis in women. Microscopic endometriosis in macroscopically normal peritoneum was rare. Sampson's hypothesis (i.e., retrograde menstruation causes endometriosis) was supported by the increased incidence of retrograde menstruation in baboons with spontaneous endometriosis, the obsecration that cervical occlusion could cause retrograde menstruation and endometriosis, and the finding that intrapelvic injection of menstrual endometrium caused experimental moderate to severe endometriosis similar to the spontaneous disease. During follow-up of more than 2 years, endometriosis in baboons appeared to be a progressive disease, with active remodeling between several types of lesions. Progression was stimulated by high-dose immunosuppression. Fertility was normal in baboons with minimal disease but was reduced in baboons with mild, moderate, or severe endometriosis, possibly related to an increased incidence and recurrence of the luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome. Conclusion(s): The baboon is a good model for the study of endometriosis. (C) 1997 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Research priorities for endometriosis: recommendations from a global consortium of investigators in endometriosis

The 3rd International Consensus Workshop on Research Priorities in Endometriosis was held in São Paulo on May 4, 2014, following the 12th World Congress on Endometriosis. The workshop was attended by 60 participants from 19 countries and was divided into 5 main sessions covering pathogenesis/pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis/classification/prognosis, disease/symptom management, and research policy. This research priorities consensus statement builds on earlier efforts to develop research directions for endometriosis. Of the 56 research recommendations from the 2011 meeting in Montpellier, a total of 41 remained unchanged, 13 were updated, and 2 were deemed to be completed. Fifty-three new research recommendations were made at the 2014 meeting in Sao Paulo, which in addition to the 13 updated recommendations resulted in a total of 66 new recommendations for research. The research recommendations published herein, as well as those from the 2 previous papers from international consensus workshops, are an attempt to promote high-quality research in endometriosis by identifying and agreeing on key issues that require investigation. New areas included in the 2014 recommendations include infertility, patient stratification, and research in emerging nations, in addition to an increased focus on translational research. A revised and updated set of research priorities that builds on this document will be developed at the 13th World Congress on Endometriosis to be held on May 17–20, 2017, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada