Compositions, kits, and methods for identification, assessment, prevention, and therapy of endometriosis

Abstract

The invention relates to newly discovered marker polypeptides associated with endometriosis. Compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating endometriosis are provided.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 887,775, filed on Jul. 9, 2004, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 575,269, filed on May 28, 2004, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 486,379, filed on Jul. 11, 2003, and from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 533,430, filed on Dec. 29, 2003. The entire contents of each of the foregoing applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Endometriosis is a condition afflicting women of child-bearing age which is characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue in areas outside the uterus. These extrauterine endometrial growths are a leading cause of pelvic pain and can also cause infertility. Endometrial growths can occur in a variety of locations, including the lining of the pelvic cavity and the outer surface of the uterus, and can also occur outside the abdo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These extrauterine endometrial growths are a leading cause of pelvic pain and can also cause infertility.

Unlike the uterine lining, however, the body is unable to shed the extrauterine endometrial growths, and breakdown of this tissue results in internal bleeding, inflammation of the surrounding area and formation of scar tissue.

A number of complications can also arise, including rupture of growths, which can spread the growths to new regions of the body, and the formation of adhesions.

The degree of pain does not correspond to the size or extent of endometrial growths, and significant pain can result even from microscopic growths.

Endometrial implants can destroy ovarian and tubal tissue.

More subtle problems in folliculogenesis in endometriosis patients have been reported, including lower serum estradiol levels, smaller follicle size during follicular growth, and lower oocyte fertilization rates and pregnancy rates in assisted reproduction.

Prevention of endometriosis is not currently possible; however, treatment options are available based on the patient's desire for future fertility, symptoms, the stage of disease, and to some extent, age.

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