Curcumin-loaded nanofibers for targeting endometriosis in the peritoneum of a mouse model

Nanomedicines for Endometriosis: Lessons Learned from Cancer Research

“…Nanoparticles have also been tested in heterologous and homologous mouse models to image or treat endometriosis (Table 2). Homologous endometriosis models were established either by injecting suspension of minced uterine horns from donor mice into the peritoneal cavity of recipient animals [ 40,37,38,46 ] or surgical transplantation of autologous uterine fragments to the peritoneal wall (Figure 5C). [ 42 ] Cerium oxide nanoparticles were used to inhibit angiogenesis and decrease oxidative stress in these mouse models of endometriosis, as were polymeric nanoparticles loaded with a combination of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and doxycycline.…”

“…[ 40,38 ] Nanomaterials have also been tested in these mice to investigate the use of immunotherapy to treat endometriosis, [ 42 ] as well as the therapeutic effects of molecules like letrozole and curcumin. [ 37,46 ]…”

“…Therapeutic strategies based on a single agent that can target either one or multiple therapeutic pathways have also been developed for endometriosis treatment. [ 39,40,46 ] For example, Chaudhury et al. implemented cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNP or nanoceria) as a therapeutic agent in an attempt to reduce ROS levels and angiogenesis in the peritoneal cavity of mice with induced endometriosis.…”

“…constructed biodegradable polymeric nanofibers for local and sustained release of curcumin in the peritoneum. [ 46 ] In vitro studies demonstrated that the developed platform could release ≈50% of the drug over 30 days, and the implanted curcumin loaded nanofibers in the peritoneum of mice result in a considerable reduction of endometriotic lesions after 21 days. Histological analysis of the treated lesions further revealed a significant decrease in endometrial glands, stroma, and infiltration of inflammatory cells when compared to the control group.…”

Endometriosis: Etiology, pathobiology, and therapeutic prospects

“…Curcumin has been widely reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in a wide range of human and animal studies including models of endometriosis (Vallé e and Lecarpentier, 2020). A recent paper explored the use of carbon nanofibers as a delivery system for prolonged release of curcumin within the peritoneum reporting positive results with reduction in glands, stroma, and invasion of immune cells in a mouse model (Boroumand et al, 2019). Curcuma capsules (Flexofytol) are currently being used in an exploratory clinical trial (NCT04150406, ENDOFLEX) in 54 women with evaluation of change in pain score after 4 months as the primary outcome: the trial is due to be completed at the end of 2021.…”