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Nutrition Journal Sep 2022Dietary factors may play a role in the etiology of endometriosis and dietary intake of some food groups and nutrients could be associated with endometriosis risk. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Dietary factors may play a role in the etiology of endometriosis and dietary intake of some food groups and nutrients could be associated with endometriosis risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted to summarize the findings on the association between dietary intakes of selected food groups and nutrients (dairy, fats, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and animal-derived protein sources), and the risk of endometriosis among adult women. PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science were systematically searched up to September 2022. The inverse variance-weighted fixed-effect method was used to estimate the effect size and corresponding 95% CI. A total of 8 publications (4 studies) including 5 cohorts and 3 case-control with a sample size ranging from 156 to 116,607 were included in this study. A higher intake of total dairy [all low-fat and high-fat dairy foods] was associated with decreased risk of endometriosis (RR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.95; P < 0.001; I = 37.0%), but these associations were not observed with intakes of low or high-fat dairy, cheese or milk. Increased risk of endometriosis was associated with higher consumption of red meat (RR 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.26; P < 0.001; I = 82.4%), trans fatty acids (TFA) (RR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.23; P = 0.019; I = 73.0%), and saturated fatty acids (SFA) (RR 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.09; P < 0.001; I = 57.3%). The results of this meta-analysis suggest that there may be differing associations between dietary intake of dairy foods, red meat, SFAs, and TFAs and the risk of endometriosis. It may be useful to extend the analysis to other types of food groups and dietary patterns to obtain a complete picture. Additionally, further investigations are needed to clarify the role of diet in the incidence and progression of endometriosis.Trial registration: PROSPERO, CRD42020203939.
Topics: Animals; Dairy Products; Diet; Diet, Fat-Restricted; Dietary Fats; Endometriosis; Fatty Acids; Female; Humans; Nutrients; Observational Studies as Topic; Trans Fatty Acids; Vegetables
PubMed: 36138433
DOI: 10.1186/s12937-022-00812-x -
BMC Women's Health Oct 2021Endometriosis is a common benign gynecological disease that has the potential to debilitate due to pain and reduced quality of life. Treatment modalities such as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is a common benign gynecological disease that has the potential to debilitate due to pain and reduced quality of life. Treatment modalities such as hormones and surgery have limitations and do not treat all dimensions of the problems caused by endometriosis, and physical activity (PA) and exercise have been suggested as alternative treatments. Aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of PA and exercise on endometriosis-associated symptoms.
METHODS
Eleven databases were searched systematically. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were carried out by two independent researchers in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria were women with diagnosed endometriosis receiving an intervention (PA and/or exercise). The primary outcome was pain intensity, but all outcomes were accepted.
RESULTS
This study screened 1045 citations for eligibility. Four interventional studies were identified, of which one showed fatal design flaws and so was excluded. Three studies, two randomized controlled trials (RCT) and one pre-post study with no control group, involving 109 patients were included in a descriptive synthesis. The interventions included flexibility and strength training, cardiovascular fitness, and yoga, and were performed from one to four times per week for a total duration of 8-24 weeks, with or without supervision. Only one study found improvements in pain intensity. One study showed decreases in stress levels. Due to the heterogeneity of the study outcomes and measures, as well as confounding factors, a quantitative meta-analysis could not be performed.
CONCLUSION
The effect of PA and exercise as treatments for endometrioses-associated symptoms could not be determined due to significant limitations of the included studies. Future research should be based on RCTs of high methodological quality, measuring and reporting relevant core outcomes such as pain, improvements in symptoms and quality of life, and acceptability and satisfaction from the perspectives of patients. Furthermore, these outcomes need to be measured using reliable and validated tools.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021233138.
Topics: Endometriosis; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Pain; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34627209
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01500-4 -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Jan 2014Regular physical exercise seems to have protective effects against diseases that involve inflammatory processes since it induces an increase in the systemic levels of... (Review)
Review
Regular physical exercise seems to have protective effects against diseases that involve inflammatory processes since it induces an increase in the systemic levels of cytokines with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and also acts by reducing estrogen levels. Evidence has suggested that the symptoms associated with endometriosis result from a local inflammatory peritoneal reaction caused by ectopic endometrial implants. Thus, the objective of the present review was to assess the relationship between physical exercise and the prevalence and/or improvement of the symptoms associated with endometriosis. To this end, data available in PubMed (1985-2012) were surveyed using the terms "endometriosis and physical exercises", "endometriosis and life style and physical exercises" in the English language literature. Only 6 of the 935 articles detected were included in the study. These studies tried establish a possible relationship between the practice of physical exercise and the prevalence of endometriosis. The data available are inconclusive regarding the benefits of physical exercise as a risk factor for the disease and no data exist about the potential impact of exercise on the course of the endometriosis. In addition, randomized studies are necessary.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Endometriosis; Exercise; Female; Humans; Risk Reduction Behavior
PubMed: 24393293
DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-4 -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2017Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecologic diseases in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecologic diseases in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The women affected suffer from pelvic pain and infertility. The complex etiology is still unclear and it is based on three main theories: retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, and induction theory. Genetics and epigenetics also play a role in the development of endometriosis. Recent studies have put the attention on the role of oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of endometriosis causing a general inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity. Reactive oxygen species are intermediaries produced by normal oxygen metabolism and are inflammatory mediators known to modulate cell proliferation and to have deleterious effects. A systematic review was performed in order to clarify the different roles of oxidative stress and its role in the development of endometriosis. Several issues have been investigated: iron metabolism, oxidative stress markers (in the serum, peritoneal fluid, follicular fluid, peritoneal environment, ovarian cortex, and eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue), genes involved in oxidative stress, endometriosis-associated infertility, and cancer development.
Topics: Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 29057034
DOI: 10.1155/2017/7265238 -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Dec 2022There is a growing body of human, animal and in vitro studies on vitamin D (vit D) substitution in endometriosis. The aim of this systematic review is to critically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is a growing body of human, animal and in vitro studies on vitamin D (vit D) substitution in endometriosis. The aim of this systematic review is to critically appraise and qualitatively synthesize the results of the available studies that examine the supplementation of vit D for endometriosis treatment.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was conducted in four electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase) and grey literature for original research articles on humans, animals and in vitro models published in any language.
RESULTS
Four human studies, four animal studies and four in vitro studies were included. Quantitative synthesis of human studies showed no significant effect of vit D intake for dysmenorrhea (2 studies, 44 vit D vs 44 placebo, mean -0.71, 95% CI -1.94, 0.51) and non-cyclic pelvic pain (2 studies, 42 vit D vs 38 placebo, mean 0.34, 95% CI -0.02, 0.71). Regarding reproductive outcomes in women with endometriosis after in vitro fertilization, the only available study showed no differences between women taking vit D and women taking placebo. Three of the four included animal studies showed regression of endometriotic implants when treated with vit D. The in vitro studies demonstrated that vit D decreases invasion and proliferation of endometriotic lesions without affecting apoptosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Although in vitro and animal studies suggest regression of the endometriotic implants and decrease of invasion and proliferation after vit D supplementation, this was not reflected in the results of the meta-analysis, which showed no benefit of vit D supplementation in patients with endometriosis and dysmenorrhea or non-cyclic pelvic pain as well as on the outcome of IVF treatment. However, given the heterogeneity and the diversity of the available studies, more research is required to shed light on the role of vit D supplementation in women with endometriosis.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Female; Endometriosis; Dysmenorrhea; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Pelvic Pain; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 36578019
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01051-9 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jan 2021Irritable bowel disease and endometriosis are two common diseases characterized by chronic inflammation state and recurrent abdominal pain. As a consequence of sharing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Irritable bowel disease and endometriosis are two common diseases characterized by chronic inflammation state and recurrent abdominal pain. As a consequence of sharing of symptoms and chronic inflammation, endometriosis and IBS may coexist and be misdiagnosed and this leads to delays in diagnosis, mismanagement, and unnecessary testing. In recent years, some studies have found higher risk of IBS in women with endometriosis, compared to women without endometriosis. To provide a general overview, we performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis on published data on this issue.
METHODS
By a systematic literature search selection process, 11 studies were identified for the current study: 2 prospective and 2 retrospective cohort studies, 4 case-control studies, 1 cross-sectional study and 2 clinical series.
RESULTS
When we meta-analysed data about the prevalence of IBS in women with endometriosis, the overall OR (95%CI), compared to women without endometriosis was 3.26 (1.97-5.39) with no statistically significant heterogeneity. All three studies considering the incidence of IBS in women with a previous diagnosis of endometriosis showed about twofold greater risk among women with endometriosis than women without. Likewise, in the random effects model of the meta-analysis, the overall OR of history of IBS in women with endometriosis was 3.10 (95% CI 2.06-4.67), with no heterogeneity between three studies considered.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis provides epidemiological evidence of a link between endometriosis and IBS, highlighting two or more times higher risk of IBS in women with endometriosis compared to women without the condition.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adolescent; Adult; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Incidence; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Young Adult
PubMed: 32949284
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05797-8 -
Human Reproduction Update Jul 2019Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disorder that affects 2-10% of women of reproductive age. The aetiology of endometriosis is largely under-explored, yet... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disorder that affects 2-10% of women of reproductive age. The aetiology of endometriosis is largely under-explored, yet abnormalities in the immune system have been suggested to explain the origin of ectopic endometrial tissues, and an association between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases has been proposed. Evaluation of current evidence investigating the association between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases from population-based studies will facilitate our understanding of the causes and consequences of endometriosis and provide a reference for better healthcare practices population-wide.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on population-based studies investigating an association between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases and to conduct a meta-analysis of combinable results to investigate the extent and robustness of evidence.
SEARCH METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL) from each database inception date until 7 April 2018. Search terms included a combination of database-specific controlled vocabulary terms and free-text terms relating to 'endometriosis' and 'autoimmune diseases'. Study inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed published articles that reported an association between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases, excluding case reports/series, review papers, meta-analyses, organizational guidelines, editorial letters, expert opinions, and conference abstracts. Quality assessment of included studies was performed based on GRADE criteria. Key information of eligible studies was abstracted into a standard form. Meta-analysis was performed for autoimmune diseases with combinable study results from at least three studies investigating an association with endometriosis. For cross-sectional studies and case-control studies, raw data from each study were documented to calculate a Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio with 95% CIs. For cohort studies, an inverse variance probability weighted model was used to pool study results to calculate a rate ratio (a hazard ratio or a standardized incidence rate) with 95% CIs.
OUTCOMES
A total of 26 published population-based cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies that investigated the association between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases met all eligible criteria and were included in the review. The studies quantified an association between endometriosis and several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoimmune thyroid disorder, coeliac disease (CLD), multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Addison's disease. However, the quality of the evidence was generally poor due to the high risk of bias in the majority of the chosen study designs and statistical analyses. Only 5 of the 26 studies could provide high-quality evidence, and among these, 4 supported a statistically significant association between endometriosis and at least 1 autoimmune disease: SLE, SS, RA, CLD, MS, or IBD.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
The observed associations between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases suggest that clinicians need to be aware of the potential coexistence of endometriosis and autoimmune diseases when either is diagnosed. Scientists interested in research studies on endometriosis or autoimmune diseases should consider the likelihood of comorbidity when studying these two types of health conditions. Well-designed large prospective cohort studies with confounding control and mediation quantification, as well as genetic and biological studies, are needed to generate further insights into whether endometriosis is a risk factor for, or a consequence of, autoimmune diseases, and whether these two types of disorders share pathophysiological mechanisms even if they arise independently. Such insights may offer opportunities for the development of novel non-hormonal medications such as immuno-modulators or repurposing of existing immunomodulatory therapies for endometriosis.
Topics: Autoimmune Diseases; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sjogren's Syndrome
PubMed: 31260048
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz014 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Jan 2022A patients' increasing interest in dietary modifications as a possible complementary or alternative treatment of endometriosis is observed. Unfortunately, the...
A patients' increasing interest in dietary modifications as a possible complementary or alternative treatment of endometriosis is observed. Unfortunately, the therapeutic potential of dietary interventions is unclear and to date no guidelines to assist physicians on this topic exist. The aim of this study, therefore, was to systematically review the existing studies on the effect of dietary interventions on endometriosis. An electronic-based search was performed in MEDLINE and COCHRANE. We included human and animal studies that evaluated a dietary intervention on endometriosis-associated symptoms or other health outcomes. Studies were identified and coded using standard criteria, and the risk of bias was assessed with established tools relevant to the study design. We identified nine human and 12 animal studies. Out of the nine human studies, two were randomized controlled trials, two controlled studies, four uncontrolled before-after studies, and one qualitative study. All of them assessed a different dietary intervention, which could be classified in one of the following principle models: supplementation with selected dietary components, exclusion of selected dietary components, and complete diet modification. Most of the studies reported a positive effect on endometriosis; they were however characterized by moderate or high-risk bias possibly due to the challenges of conducting dietary intervention trials. According to the available level of evidence, we suggest an evidence-based clinical approach for physicians to use during consultations with their patients. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to accurately determine the short-term and long-term effectiveness and safety of different dietary interventions.
Topics: Diet; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 33761124
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00418-w -
Human Reproduction Update Jan 2021Although surgery for endometriosis can improve pain and fertility, the risk of disease recurrence is high. There is little consensus regarding the benefit of medical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Although surgery for endometriosis can improve pain and fertility, the risk of disease recurrence is high. There is little consensus regarding the benefit of medical therapy in preventing recurrence of endometriosis following surgery.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
We performed a review of prospective observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the risk of endometriosis recurrence in patients undergoing post-operative hormonal suppression, compared to placebo/expectant management.
SEARCH METHODS
The following databases were searched from inception to March 2020 for RCTs and prospective observational cohort studies: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL and Web of Science. We included English language full-text articles of pre-menopausal women undergoing conservative surgery (conserving at least one ovary) and initiating hormonal suppression within 6 weeks post-operatively with either combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC), progestins, androgens, levonorgesterel-releasing intra-uterine system (LNG-IUS) or GnRH agonist or antagonist. We excluded from the final analysis studies with <12 months of follow-up, interventions of diagnostic laparoscopy, experimental/non-hormonal treatments or combined hormonal therapy. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies.
OUTCOMES
We included 17 studies (13 RCTs and 4 cohort studies), with 2137 patients (1189 receiving post-operative suppression and 948 controls), which evaluated various agents: CHC (6 studies, n = 869), progestin (3 studies, n = 183), LNG-IUS (2 studies, n = 94) and GnRH agonist (9 studies, n = 1237). The primary outcome was post-operative endometriosis recurrence, determined by imaging or recurrence of symptoms, at least 12 months post-operatively. The secondary outcome was change in endometriosis-related pain. Mean follow up of included studies ranged from 12 to 36 months, and outcomes were assessed at a median of 18 months. There was a significantly decreased risk of endometriosis recurrence in patients receiving post-operative hormonal suppression compared to expectant management/placebo (relative risk (RR) 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.65), 14 studies, 1766 patients, I2 = 68%, random effects model). Subgroup analysis on patients treated with CHC and LNG-IUS as well as sensitivity analyses limited to RCTs and high-quality studies showed a consistent decreased risk of endometriosis recurrence. Additionally, the patients receiving post-operative hormonal suppression had significantly lower pain scores compared to controls (SMD -0.49, 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.07, 7 studies, 652 patients, I2 = 68%).
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Hormonal suppression should be considered for patients not seeking pregnancy immediately after endometriosis surgery in order to reduce disease recurrence and pain. Various hormonal agents have been shown to be effective, and the exact treatment choice should be individualised according to each woman's needs.
Topics: Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Pregnancy; Progestins; Recurrence
PubMed: 33020832
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa033 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2015The four approaches to hysterectomy for benign disease are abdominal hysterectomy (AH), vaginal hysterectomy (VH), laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and robotic-assisted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The four approaches to hysterectomy for benign disease are abdominal hysterectomy (AH), vaginal hysterectomy (VH), laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and robotic-assisted hysterectomy (RH).
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of different surgical approaches to hysterectomy for women with benign gynaecological conditions.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases (from inception to 14 August 2014) using the Ovid platform: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; EMBASE; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycINFO. We also searched relevant citation lists. We used both indexed and free-text terms.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which clinical outcomes were compared between one surgical approach to hysterectomy and another.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two review authors independently selected trials, assessed risk of bias and performed data extraction. Our primary outcomes were return to normal activities, satisfaction, quality of life, intraoperative visceral injury and major long-term complications (i.e. fistula, pelvi-abdominal pain, urinary dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, pelvic floor condition and sexual dysfunction).
MAIN RESULTS
We included 47 studies with 5102 women. The evidence for most comparisons was of low or moderate quality. The main limitations were poor reporting and imprecision. Vaginal hysterectomy (VH) versus abdominal hysterectomy (AH) (nine RCTs, 762 women)Return to normal activities was shorter in the VH group (mean difference (MD) -9.5 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) -12.6 to -6.4, three RCTs, 176 women, I(2) = 75%, moderate quality evidence). There was no evidence of a difference between the groups for the other primary outcomes. Laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) versus AH (25 RCTs, 2983 women)Return to normal activities was shorter in the LH group (MD -13.6 days, 95% CI -15.4 to -11.8; six RCTs, 520 women, I(2) = 71%, low quality evidence), but there were more urinary tract injuries in the LH group (odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.8, 13 RCTs, 2140 women, I(2) = 0%, low quality evidence). There was no evidence of a difference between the groups for the other primary outcomes. LH versus VH (16 RCTs, 1440 women)There was no evidence of a difference between the groups for any primary outcomes. Robotic-assisted hysterectomy (RH) versus LH (two RCTs, 152 women)There was no evidence of a difference between the groups for any primary outcomes. Neither of the studies reported satisfaction rates or quality of life.Overall, the number of adverse events was low in the included studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Among women undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease, VH appears to be superior to LH and AH, as it is associated with faster return to normal activities. When technically feasible, VH should be performed in preference to AH because of more rapid recovery and fewer febrile episodes postoperatively. Where VH is not possible, LH has some advantages over AH (including more rapid recovery and fewer febrile episodes and wound or abdominal wall infections), but these are offset by a longer operating time. No advantages of LH over VH could be found; LH had a longer operation time, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) had more urinary tract injuries. Of the three subcategories of LH, there are more RCT data for laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and LH than for TLH. Single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy and RH should either be abandoned or further evaluated since there is a lack of evidence of any benefit over conventional LH. Overall, the evidence in this review has to be interpreted with caution as adverse event rates were low, resulting in low power for these comparisons. The surgical approach to hysterectomy should be discussed and decided in the light of the relative benefits and hazards. These benefits and hazards seem to be dependent on surgical expertise and this may influence the decision. In conclusion, when VH is not feasible, LH may avoid the need for AH, but LH is associated with more urinary tract injuries. There is no evidence that RH is of benefit in this population. Preferably, the surgical approach to hysterectomy should be decided by the woman in discussion with her surgeon.
Topics: Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Hysterectomy, Vaginal; Laparoscopy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 26264829
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003677.pub5