The role of the endocannabinoid system in aetiopathogenesis of endometriosis: A potential therapeutic target

Keisuke Tanaka; Leah Mayne; Akram Khalil; David Baartz; Lars Eriksson; Sally-Anne Mortlock; Grant Montgomery; Brett McKinnon; Akwasi A Amoako

doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.11.012

The role of the endocannabinoid system in aetiopathogenesis of endometriosis: A potential therapeutic target

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2020 Jan:244:87-94. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.11.012. Epub 2019 Nov 15.

Authors

Keisuke Tanaka¹, Leah Mayne², Akram Khalil², David Baartz², Lars Eriksson³, Sally-Anne Mortlock⁴, Grant Montgomery⁴, Brett McKinnon⁵, Akwasi A Amoako⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
³ The University of Queensland, UQ Library, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
⁴ The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
⁵ The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
⁶ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: a.amoako@uq.edu.au.

PMID: 31785471
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.11.012

Abstract

Endometriosis affects a large proportion of women during their reproductive years and is associated with pain and infertility, also affecting psychological wellbeing and quality of life. The pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear, although it is believed to be multifactorial. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of a number of ligands, receptors and enzymes, and has gained interests in endometriosis research. This review aims to summarise all available evidence reporting the roles of the ECS in endometriosis. A literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science electronic medical databases was performed. Original and review articles published in peer-reviewed journals were included. No publication date or publication status restrictions were imposed. Significant differences in the concentrations and expressions of the components of the ECS were reported in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium, and the systemic circulation of women with endometriosis compared to controls. Endometriosis appears to be associated with downregulation of CB1 receptors and upregulation of TRPV1 receptors. The role of CB1 and progesterone in anti-inflammatory action and the role of TRPV1 in inflammation and pain are of particular interests. Furthermore, the ECS has been reported to be involved in processes relevant to endometriosis, including cell migration, cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and interacts with sex steroid hormones. The ECS may play a role in disease establishment, progression, and pain in endometriosis. However, reports are based on studies of limited size and there are inconsistencies among the definition of their control groups. There are also conflicting reports regarding precise involvement of the ECS in endometriosis. Future research with larger numbers, strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and detailed clinical information is imperative.

Keywords: Cannabinoid receptor; Endocannabinoids; Endometriosis; Inflammation; Pain; Sex hormones.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Endocannabinoids / physiology*
Endometriosis / etiology*
Endometrium / metabolism*
Female
Gonadal Steroid Hormones / metabolism
Humans
Molecular Targeted Therapy

Substances

Endocannabinoids
Gonadal Steroid Hormones