Endometriosis and Microvascular Dysfunction: Role of Inflammation
Key facts
- Where
- University Park, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Early phase 1
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 45 years old?
Source: NCT05069740, who can take part
Where in United States
- The Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Penn State University
- Trial code
- NCT05069740
- Record updated
- 27 July 2026
- Original description
The purpose of this study is to better understand the underlying mechanisms associated with elevated cardiovascular disease risk in women with endometriosis, and to measure the effectiveness of emerging endometriosis treatments on outcomes specific to cardiovascular dysfunction.Read full original descriptionShow less
Mechanisms and Interventions Addressing Accelerated Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Endometriosis
The purpose of this study is to better understand the underlying mechanisms associated with elevated cardiovascular disease risk in women with endometriosis, and to measure the effectiveness of emerging endometriosis treatments on outcomes specific to cardiovascular dysfunction.
Epidemiologic data demonstrate a clear association between endometriosis, reproductive risk factors, inflammation and cardiovascular (CV) risk. Circulating factors, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL), are two of many biomarkers of cardiovascular and inflammatory disease of endometriosis. An important signaling mechanism through which circulating LDL and oxLDL act is the lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1). LOX-1 signal transduction functionally results in pronounced endothelial dysfunction, a hallmark of CV. The investigators hypothesis that one factor mediating the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in endometriosis is systemic inflammation and activation of LOX-1 receptor mechanisms.
Inclusion: Healthy women between the ages of 18 and 45 years (Controls), taking oral contraceptive or with regular menses every 26-34 days; Women between the ages of 18 and 45 years with endometriosis (diagnosis by prior laparoscopy by subject's own physician <5 years prior, and reported by the subject to the researchers); Tylenol if the subject has acute pain is allowed; Contraceptive use is allowed.
Exclusion: Taking pharmacotherapy that could alter peripheral vascular control (e.g. insulin sensitizing, cardiovascular medications); Taking illicit and/or recreational drugs; Rash, skin disease, disorders of pigmentation, known skin allergies; Diagnosed or suspected metabolic or cardiovascular disease; Known allergy to latex or investigative substances (including salsalate or simvastatin); History of gastrointestinal bleeding; Diabetes (HbA1C 6.5%); Persistent unexplained elevations of serum transaminases; Use of nicotine-containing products (e.g. smoking, chewing tobacco, etc.); BP>140/90; Pregnancy; Breastfeeding; Abnormal liver function.