Histone deacetylase inhibitors as therapeutics for endometriosis

Xin Li, Xishi Liu, Sun‐Wei Guo
In: Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology · 2012 · vol. 7(5) , pp. 451–466 · doi:10.1586/eog.12.52 · W2069092181
article OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 6 in-corpus citations
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This paper reviews data supporting endometriosis as an epigenetic disease and argues for the repurposing of valproic acid as a histone deacetylase inhibitor therapeutic.

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Abstract

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder affecting mostly women of reproductive age. Its presenting symptoms include dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. There is a pressing need to develop more efficacious therapeutics, preferably with improved safety and cost profiles. Unfortunately, thus far the drug development progress has been frustratingly slow. In this article, published data in support of the notion that endometriosis is an epigenetic disease are reviewed. The desirable properties of histone deacetylase inhibitors as therapeutics for treating endometriosis are enumerated, and the obstacles in evaluating histone deacetylases in clinical trials are listed. It is argued that, from the drug discovery standpoint, repurposing of valproic acid is justifiable. Finally, the areas in need of further research are exposed.

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Condition tags

endometriosischronic_pelvic_paindysmenorrheainfertility

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.

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License: CC0 · commercial use OK