Treating endometriosis as an autoimmune disease

Nothnick WB, Warren B. Nothnick, W B Nothnick
Fertility and sterility · 2001 · vol. 76(2) , pp. 223–231 · doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(01)01878-7 · PMID:11476764 · W2119774152
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

This paper proposes that endometriosis should be treated as an autoimmune disease, implying a shift in therapeutic approaches.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo review the literature on the role of autoimmunity in the etiology of endometriosis, compare the similarities in the pathophysiologies between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases, and discuss the use of immunomodulators currently used to treat autoimmune diseases as potential therapies for endometriosis.DesignThe literature on endometriosis and other autoimmune diseases was reviewed, and summary data are presented.ResultsEndometriosis shares many similarities with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. These similarities include elevated levels of cytokines, decreased cell apoptosis, and T- and B-cell abnormalities. Because the use of immunomodulators and inflammatory modulators has proven to be an effective means of medical management for these autoimmune diseases, similar therapies may prove useful in treating endometriosis.Conclusion(s)Although substantial evidence indicates that endometriosis at least shares many similarities with autoimmune diseases, endometriosis is primarily treated by using compounds that induce a hypoestrogenic environment. A review of the literature combined with the shortcomings of current means of medical management for endometriosis support the postulate that treatment of endometriosis with immunomodulators and inflammatory modulators is warranted.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Autoimmune Diseases Endometriosis Endometriosis Adjuvants, Immunologic Adjuvants, Immunologic Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune Diseases Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

References (100)

Cited by (50)

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