Search Results
1
Study Matches
Role of microRNA activation of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1) mechanisms in microvascular dysfunction in women with endometriosis
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder associated with chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and infertility. With endometriosis, endometrium-like tissue is found in sites outside the uterine cavity. This disorder affects 6% - 10% of women of reproductive age. It can be as high as 35-50% in women who have pain or infertility. Endometriosis is associated with higher risk of hypercholesterolemia and hypertension that increases risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is characterized by dysfunction of the blood vessels of the body. CVD is the leading cause of death in women.
Two groups of women complete this study: 1) healthy women between the ages of 18 and 45 years (Controls); 2) women between the ages of 18 and 45 years with endometriosis. The screening and two experiments include blood draws. After passing a medical screening, each subject participates in a microdialysis (MD) experiment before and after 6-9 days of oral atorvastatin therapy (10mg/day). Atorvastatin (brand name: Lipitor) is an FDA-approved drug that physicians prescribe to lower blood cholesterol. The atorvastatin also suppresses substances made by the body that increase the risk of CVD. MD is a procedure in which a thin tube of membrane that mimics a capillary blood vessel is implanted in the skin. Substances of interest are added to the saline flowing through the MD sites and are delivered into small areas of skin. The MD experiments combine the perfusion of the test-substances with local heating of the skin to explore the causes for the dysfunction of blood vessels and increased risk for CVD that occurs with endometriosis.
Susan Slimak at sks31@psu.edu or 814-863-8556
Female
18 year(s) or older
N/A
Heart & Vascular, Women's Health, Pregnancy & Infertility