EVEP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the role of extracellular vesicles in endometriosis-associated pain: An observational cohort study
IRAS ID
265158
Contact name
Danielle Perro
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
CTRG
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, days
Research summary
This study will aim to identify a potential role of microvesicles, a biomolecule released from cells which contain and traffic cell material, in endometriosis-associated pain. Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 10% of women of reproductive age, is characterised by inappropriate growth of endometrial tissue within the pelvic cavity. Often associated with the disease is extreme pain, and as such, this study will aim to investigate different pain phenotypes in women with endometriosis. Currently, we understand the pain of women with endometriosis via self-report. Since microvesicles have been shown to play a role in pain associated with other inflammatory conditions, it is important to determine if there is a relationship between microvesicles and endometriosis, as this may more objectively tell us about a woman’s pain experience, and may set the stage for pharmaceutical investigation into pain management of the disease in the future. Only women who have previously participated in the ENDOX study, a study to identify possible biomarkers in women with endometriosis, and have agreed to be contacted for participation in future research, are eligible for participation in EVEP. From this cohort, those who are aged 18-50 at the time of recruitment who meet eligibility criteria for one of the three pain phenotypes or control groups, will be recruited. EVEP will be conducted at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Sample collection and subsequent sample analyses will be performed in the Women’s Centre. The study duration is 24 months. Participants are expected to attend three visits over a span of 6 months. At each visit, participants are required to complete questionnaires that inquire about the woman’s pain experience. Additionally, they are required to give blood, saliva and urine samples. At one of the visits, participants will undergo quantitative sensory testing; a non-invasive technique that allows us to understand nerve damage.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SW/0032
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion