Etanercept causes regression of endometriotic implants in a rat model

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2011 Jun;283(6):1297-302. doi: 10.1007/s00404-010-1543-9. Epub 2010 Jun 12.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of etanercept (anti-TNF-α) on surgically induced endometriosis in a rat model.

Materials and methods: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, experimental study that was carried out at the Experimental Research Center of Yeditepe University (YUDETAM). Thirty female nonpregnant, nulligravid Wistar-Hannover albino rats were used. The summary of the technique: surgical induction of endometriosis, administration of estrogen for 2 weeks, and laparotomy; administration of etanercept for 2 weeks following the induction of endometriosis and laparotomy; administration of estrogen for 2 weeks and necropsy. The volume and histopathological scores of the endometriotic foci were evaluated.

Results: One-hundred twenty uterine horns were implanted in 30 rats. Endometriosis was completely formatted in 112 lesions (93.3%). No rats were lost. In the etanercept group, the lesions' volumes were 83.9 ± 13.1, 47.2 ± 8.4, and 96.7 ± 34.8 mm(3) at the end of the second week (pretreatment stage), at the end of the fourth week (post-treatment stage), and at the end of the sixth week, respectively (P = 0.007). Histopathologic scores were 2.3 ± 0.2, 1.7 ± 0.2, and 1.9 ± 0.1, respectively (P = 0.08). The changes in the other groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Etanercept, a fusion protein consisting of human recombinant soluble TNF receptor-2, neutralizes TNF activity. Anti-TNF therapy could be a new non-hormonal therapeutic option for the treatment of endometriosis in humans.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Endometriosis / pathology*
  • Etanercept
  • Female
  • Immunoglobulin G / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tissue Transplantation
  • Uterus / drug effects
  • Uterus / pathology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Etanercept