Endometriosis
Drugs designed to remove blood clots and originally intended for use against heart disease could be employed to help women with endometriosis, according to a recent study by Yale University.
The painful condition of the womb, which affects more than two million women, is the second most common gynaecological problem in the UK. With no known cure available at present, the only option currently available to sufferers is painkillers. Now researchers have found that a new class of drug, known as statins, may be able to halt the damage caused by the condition.
Endometriosis is caused when tissue lining the womb is found elsewhere in the pelvis. Since it is linked to menstruation, the endometrial tissue builds up over a month, but unlike in the womb, tissue in the bladder and other areas has no means by which to leave the body, therefore causing inflammation, scarring and possibly infertility.
Scientists at the university took endometrial tissue from patients and used statins to treat the samples. They inhibited cell proliferation in the samples, leading scientists to believe that they could stop endometrial issue being produced outside of the womb.
Statins impede enzymes in the body's cells responsible for regulating cholesterol production as well as stopping inflammation and cell proliferation. The NHS is set to spend £2 billion a year on the drugs by 2010.
Experts presenting their research at the annual conference of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Philadelphia, expressed their hope that the findings will mean an end to the suffering of women with endometriosis, many of whom are unable to have children because of the disease.
Mary Lou Ballweg of The Endometriosis Society said: "Girls as young as nine develop endometriosis and it is a very painful and distressing condition. Anything that can help with treatment is welcomed."
