Endometriosis-like lesions induced by phthalates: new phytotherapic applications to complement traditional cares: a PNRR 2023 project

• DOI: 10.1186/s12906-025-04913-y
• Publication Date: 2025-05-26T09:17:05Z
• Authors: Roberta Tassinari; Massimo D’Archivio; Rosaria Varì; Beatrice Scazzocchio; Gabriele Lori; Maria Bellenghi; Annalisa Silenzi; Alessia Tammaro; Daniele Marcoccia; Valentina Tassinari; Antonella Smeriglio; Domenico Trombetta; Antonio Maiorana; Maria Clara Leone; Francesca Maranghi
• Keywords: Complement

Endometriosis (E) is an oestrogen-dependent, multifactorial, inflammatory disease causing pelvic pain and infertility. Several concerns have been raised about the role of food contaminants, in particular Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), potentially involved onset propagation E. Conventional therapies- which considerable side effects - focus on reducing levels oestrogens counteracting inflammation. The potential preventive/protective plant extracts (PEs) (PH) -induced E studied by a stepwise approach. (i) raw material identification, extraction phytochemical characterization; (ii) vitro tests to evaluate pharmacokinetics organotropism; (iii) screening 2 human endometrial cell lines vivo toxicokinetic select PEs/BCs comparison with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; (iv) juvenile toxicity study test PE/BC activity DEHP induced E-like lesions (v) ex studies primary cells obtained patients be subjected scheduled surgical procedures non-cancerous cells, investigate metabolite concentration effects, respectively. project aims provide data tools develop new strategy based herbal medicine- especially polyphenolic compounds for their pleiotropic activities mitigate symptoms prevent and/or protect population including susceptible sub-groups from outcomes will support Italian National Health System development complementary alternative/preventive strategies set clinical humans also considering environmental contaminants pathogenesis. Not applicable.