Nonhuman Primate Models for Translational Research in Endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis, defined as the ectopic presence of endometrial-like cells, is associated with infertility and pelvic pain in women. Whereas pathogenesis and spontaneous evolution of endometriosis are still poorly understood, recurrences after surgical therapy or after medical treatment are common. Spontaneous endometriosis occurs only in women and in nonhuman primates (NHPs). Inbred rhesus monkeys kept in colonies offer an attractive preclinical model to study the inheritance of spontaneous endometriosis. Baboons with spontaneous or induced endometriosis appear to be the best NHP model to study pathogenesis, pathophysiology, spontaneous evolution and new medical treatment options. In baboons, induction of endometriosis after intrapelvic injection of menstrual endometrium leads to biological changes in peritoneal cavity and in endometrium. This induction process may allows the study of cause-effect relationships which may lead to the discovery of new biomarkers for the development of new non-invasive diagnostic tests and drugs that may prevent or treat endometriosis.

The Immunoconjugate “Icon” Targets Aberrantly Expressed Endothelial Tissue Factor Causing Regression of Endometriosis

“…Because spontaneous endometriosis occurs only in women and in nonhuman primates, future studies will hopefully involve an animal model that mimics the human disease as described by D'Hooghe and coworkers. 50 Importantly, because Icon targets not only neoangiogenesis, but pre-existing vessels aberrantly expressing TF in their endothelium, it is the only available agent with the potential to successfully treat pre-existent well-vascularized lesions. This is an important point, as women suffering from endometriosis are typically not diagnosed for several years 51,52 and thus would already have established lesions.…”

Spontaneous endometriosis in rhesus macaques: evidence for a genetic association with specific Mamu-A1 alleles

“…Although the use of rodent models of endometriosis has some advantages with respect to genetic manipulation and affordability, these species differ greatly from humans, making comparisons difficult. Baboons and macaques have been the best nonhuman primate (NHP) models to study endometriosis' pathogenesis, pathophysiology, spontaneous evolution, and new medical treatment options (D'Hooghe et al, 2009;Fazleabas et al, 2002;Yamanaka et al, 2012). In fact spontaneous endometriosis only occurs in humans and menstruating NHPs.…”

Experimental endometriosis models: different approaches for different tasks

“…Когда эти данные контрастируют с результатами, по-лученными у животных со спонтанным заболевани-ем, возникает уникальная возможность дифферен-цировать причину и следствие. Во всех практических отношениях спонтанный эндометриоз -наилучшая модель, хотя важно отметить, что формы заболева-ния от умеренной до тяжелой с кистозными образо-ваниями яичников не часто встречаются у человеко-образных обезьян [25].…”