ISTE Research staff has conducted studies on endometriosis for more than 30 years. Dr. Dmowski's first publications and his Ph.D. research dealing with hormonal management of endometriosis date back to 1967. He was instrumental in the development and clinical application of danazol (Danocrine), a drug of remarkable properties still used in the management of endometriosis. Subsequently, ISTE staff have participated in the development and evaluation of several GnRH agonists, such as Lupron, Depot Lupron, Buserelin, Synarel, and Zoladex, which currently represent a mainstay in the medical management of endometriosis.
In 1981, Dr. Dmowski, in his publication in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was the first to draw attention to changes in cell mediated immunity associated with endometriosis. Since then basic research studies at ISTE have concentrated on the relationship between the immune system and endometriosis. These studies have been conducted in collaboration with Dr. Donald Braun. We have demonstrated that in women with endometriosis, cell mediated immunity and in particular monocyte-macrophage function is altered. Additionally, in about 50-60% of affected women there are changes in humoral immunity in the form of abnormal circulating autoantibodies. We postulate that the alterations in cell mediated immunity interfere with normal elimination of misplaced endometrial cells, leading to the development of the disease. We propose that these alterations in immune function are transmitted genetically or can be acquired. Environmental toxins, i.e., organochlorides such as dioxin or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) may play a role in the development of endometriosis through suppression of the normal cell mediated immune response, as was suggested by one of our studies. At the October 1997 meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, we reported that programmed cell death (apoptosis) is much lower in the ectopic endometrial cells (endometriosis) than in normal endometrium, which suggests another mechanism for the development of endometriosis. It is likely that both the immune system dysfunction and the altered cell death play an integral part in the formation of endometriosis implants. We hope that in the future clarification of the immune deficiency or the nature of increased resistance to apoptosis may lead to a screening test for identification of women susceptible to endometriosis and may allow for the development of cause-directed therapy. Our studies indicate that changes in humoral immunity in endometriosis are secondary to the ectopic growth of the endometrial cells and may contribute to infertility. Interestingly, our recent clinical studies suggest biological differences between women with endometriosis who have infertility and those who have pelvic pain symptoms. Furthermore, the average diagnostic delay was twice as long in women with pelvic pain than in those with infertility (6.35 years vs. 3.13 years) suggesting a certain degree of complacency on the part of physicians as well as society in general when it comes to pelvic pain symptoms.
Research Funding ISTE receives funding and grants for research and clinical studies from federal agencies, private philanthropic organizations, the pharmaceutical industry and individual donors. Our current clinical researches involve a clinical research trial using a newly developed medication for the TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS/PAIN and a new HORMONAL TREATMENT OF INFERTILITY. If you would like to become a benefactor, please call our office at: 773-883-3880 or call our nurse coordinator at 708-246-6067.
Research Staff
W. P.
Dmowski, M.D./Ph.D., Director ISTE wpdmowski@oakbrookfertility.com
Nasir Rana, M.D. M.P.H., Associate Director ISTE
Jianchi Ding Ph.D. Laboratory Director jding@oakbrookfertility.com
Don Braun, Ph.D. dbraun@endometriosisinstitute.com
Peg Pepping, RN, M.S. Research Study Co-ordinator
Mingxian
Shen, B.Sc., Laboratory Technician
Linda Savitskas, Administrative Assistant lsavitskas@endometriosisinstitute.com
Office hours and appointments
Endometriosis Institute Clinical Staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for established patients. New patient hours, which require appointments, are as follows:
Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
For information and to make an appointment call
630-954-3636
Or,
You may e-mail us at: lsavitskas@endometriosisinstitute.com
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