- Researchers found that nearly two-thirds of patients with endometriosis have elevated levels of certain bacterium around their uterus, compared to less than 10 percent of people without the condition.
- After giving antibiotics to mice with endometriosis, the researchers saw that both the levels of the bacteria and the formation of endometriosis-related lesions were reduced.
- However, further studies are needed to see whether the findings translate to humans.
Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those found in uterine lining grow outside the uterus. This can lead to the formation of scar tissue and inflammation in the pelvic region as well as various organs, alongside symptoms including pain and nausea.
Worldwide, around
Further research into endometriosis could improve the health and quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
Recently, researchers found that targeting a specific bacterium may reduce lesions linked to endometriosis in mice.
The study was published in Science Translational Medicine.
Dr. Marc Winter, medical director of Minimally Invasive Surgical Gynecology at Hoag, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today:
“This study from Japan is extremely interesting as it implicates Fusobacterium — a type of bacteria — as a possible agent stimulating the formation of inflammatory cells that lead to inflammation, scar tissue, and pain associated with endometriosis. This discovery could lead to adding specific antibiotics as a critical part of endometriosis treatment.”
To begin, the researchers conducted a genetic analysis of fibroblasts from four patients with endometriosis and four patients without. Fibroblasts are cells that form connective tissues and are involved in wound healing.
They…
Read the full article here