A novel fertility-sparing nanocomposite for endometriosis treatment via oxidative stress and inflammation alleviation

Wenwen Liu, Jie Shen, Jiaqi You, Tao Wang, Pusheng Yang, Yaxin Miao, Xiaotong Peng, Yimin Yu, Chengyu Liu, Ang Li, Jing Sun
Materials today. Bio · 2025 · vol. 33 , pp. 102041 · doi:10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102041 · PMID:40677401 · PMC12269881 · W4411922542
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

This study developed a polydopamine-dydrogesterone nanocomposite that targets ectopic endometrial lesions, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to treat endometriosis while preserving ovarian function and fertility.

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Abstract

Endometriosis, an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder prevalent in reproductive-age women, is characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, leading to chronic pain and infertility. Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on lesion removal and pain alleviation, often at the cost of compromising ovarian function and natural conception. Herein, we engineered a nanocomposite with polydopamine and dydrogesterone for precise and gentle endometriosis treatment while protecting ovarian function and fertility. It combines polydopamine 's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities with dydrogesterone's ectopic lesion regression capability while maintaining physiological ovulation. To enhance the lesion-specific delivery, the nanocomposite was functionalized with polyethylene glycol and laminin. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we demonstrate that the nanocomposites exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, coupled with targeted delivery to ectopic endometrial cells. The nanocomposites effectively accumulate in ectopic lesions, modulate macrophage polarization, and promote the atrophy and clearance of ectopic endometrial tissue. Importantly, this therapeutic approach preserves ovarian reserve function and fertility, showing no significant adverse effects on ovarian health. In summary, we present an innovation non-surgical therapeutic strategy for endometriosis that demonstrates both safety and efficacy while preserving ovarian reserve function and fertility potential.

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endometriosisinfertility

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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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