Experimental study on effect of leflunomide on rat models of endometriosis

Objective:To observe the effect of leflunomide on focal growth behaviors of rat models of endometriosis,provide a basis for immune therapy of endometriosis.Methods:Autologous transplantation was used to established rat models of endometriosis;on the third week after transplantation,the rats in treatment group were treated with leflunomide,35 mg·kg-1·d-1 for three weeks;the rats in control group were treated with normal saline,1 ml·kg-1·d-1 for three weeks;the focal volumes before and after treatment were measured,radioimmunoassay was used to detect the expression of TNF-α,and immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of NF-κB.Results:The focal volume of treatment group was significantly smaller than that of control group(P0.05);histopathological results showed that the growth of ectopic endometrium in treatment group was inhibited or necrosis,the blood supply of focal tissues was inadequate;the expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κB in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group(P0.05).Conclusion:Leflunomide can inhibit the focal growth of endometrium in rat models,it is feasible to treat endometriosis by immune regulation.