Summary
This research project aims to investigate the role of enteric glial cells (EGCs) in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, with the long-term goal of identifying new therapeutic targets for symptom relief.
The Enteric Glia as a Possible Target for Symptom Relief in Endometriosis
US · IL
NIH
grant
awarded
#nih-5R16GM149365-03
What they want
The study hypothesizes that endometriosis-induced immune activation is regulated by EGCs, promoting and maintaining chronic inflammation, which can be reversed by non-pharmacological complementary interventions. Aim 1 will determine how endometriosis impacts enteric glia and its correlation with pain. Aim 2 will elucidate whether the beneficial effects of interventions, such as exercise and environmental enrichment, are mediated by PPARγ. The rationale is that complementary interventions will shift EGCs from a pro-inflammatory phenotype to an anti-inflammatory one, decreasing proinflammatory cytokine release and oxidative stress.
Deliverables
- Explanation of chronic pelvic inflammation and gastrointestinal symptoms in endometriosis
- Identification of novel therapeutic targets for endometriosis
- Sustaining the research excellence of the Principal Investigator (PI)
- Strengthening the institutional research environment
- Providing multidisciplinary research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students
