In Vitro Models to Study the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Abstract

Several in vitro models that attempt to replicate the intraperitoneal environment have been developed to study the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The chicken chorioallantotic membrane has been used, but it has not been well characterized and may introduce some species specific variables. In vitro models using human tissues include amniotic membrane, human peritoneal explants, and cell culture monolayers. These models have been used to qualitatively, quantitatively, and temporally assess attachment of endometrial cells to peritoneal mesothelial and subsequent transmesothelial invasion. These models have also been used to assess the role of cytokines in the development of the early endometriotic lesion. Two- and three dimensional invasion chamber models have been utilized to assess endometrial cell interactions with peritoneal mesothelial cells and the extracellular matrix. Invasion models are also useful to evaluate novel therapeutic approaches. This review will focus on the above models to assist reproductive scientists interested in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Organ‐on‐a‐Chip Systems for Women's Health Applications

“…In recent years, progress has been made on developing in vitro models from primary cells and cell lines to mimic human embryo–endometrium interactions, and endometriosis . In particular, 3D culture systems and microphysiological organ‐on‐a‐chip systems enable the direct study of uterine tissue remodeling, hormone cycling, flow dynamics, cellular migration, and cell–cell interaction during the menstrual cycle and in endometriosis . Interconnected organ‐on‐a‐chip systems are also being used in combination with traditional animal models to unravel complex and multifactorial disease processes such as the mechanisms by which endocrine disrupting chemicals leads to endometrial dysregulation and disease, and the effects of ectopic endometrial tissue on the healthy endometrium .…”

Endometrial Organoid Culture

“…Various in vitro model systems have been developed to give insight into the complex cellular processes involved in the development of ectopic endometriotic lesions including attachment, invasion through ECM and neovascularization 15 . Clear molecular distinctions are known to occur between ectopic endometriotic tissue and endometrium as well as between women with and without the disease 21 .…”

The scar constituent Collagen I triggers coordinated collective migration and invasion in a 3D spheroid model of early endometriotic lesions

“…Based on the widely accepted Sampson's theory, endometriosis arises when tissue fragments shed during menstruation implant in the surrounding tissue 5 . In order to implant, endometrial fragments have to first penetrate either through intact barriers consisting of epithelial cells, basement membranes and collagen or directly through surgical scars and then spread 6 . In this regard, endometriosis shares many similarities with metastatic cancer 7 .…”