A pilot study to evaluate the clinical relevance of endometriosis-associated nerve fibers in peritoneal endometriotic lesions

Endometriosis-associated nerve fibers, peritoneal fluid cytokine concentrations, and pain in endometriotic lesions from different locations

“…Significantly more nerve fibers are present in peritoneal wall of women with endometriotic lesions compared with women without the condition (5), and these nerve fibers are directly colocalized with the endometriotic lesions themselves (6). In addition, when nerve fibers are found associated with endometriotic lesions the patients are more likely to report severe pain (7).…”

Endometriosis of the conus medullaris causing cyclic radiculopathy

“…14,25 Endometrial cells then invade the epineurium and perineurium of the lumbosacral nerves. [3][4][5]25,40 Furthermore, studies examining endometriotic nociception have shown that endometrial cells possess considerable neurotropic properties, 26 secreting factors such as nerve growth factor, which stimulates neurite growth. Mechanisms allowing endometrial cells to migrate, adhere, and infiltrate nervous tissue are under investigation, but involve the complex interactions of integrins, cadherins, and matrix metalloproteinases.…”

PPAR-γ expression in peritoneal endometriotic lesions correlates with pain experienced by patients

“…Innervation of the lesions, however, may be a factor. There is an increased innervation in the peritoneum of women with endometriosis (23), and when more nerves were found close to peritoneal lesions, more severe pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea was reported by the patients (24).…”