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Collaborates with a UMU project to investigate an important gynecological disease]

A project of the University of Murcia on endometriosis seeks funding through the crowdfunding website of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FeCyT) with the objective of raising funds to carry out the research.

This study aims to find less aggressive diagnostic methods and more effective therapies for a disease that occurs when the intrauterine tissue develops outside this cavity.

Among its symptoms it causes pelvic pains especially during the menstrual period and the sexual relations, that can become chronic.

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease in which macrophages (cells responsible for detecting foreign microorganisms in the body, among other functions) play an essential role.

Although it is a disease that affects between 5% -10% of women of childbearing age, 40% of those affected usually have infertility problems and is also associated with ovarian cancer.

To date, "their diagnosis is still complicated, the treatments are not efficient enough and the techniques used are aggressive," explains the lead researcher of the project, Pilar García Peñarrubia.

The researchers wish to deepen the knowledge of the characteristics and behavior of peritoneal macrophages with the aim of simplifying the diagnosis of the disease and enabling the development of more effective treatments.

Currently, the research team, composed of researchers from the UMU and staff of the Gynecology Service of the Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, has experimental data about the characteristics of peritoneal macrophages of healthy women.

These data will allow to detect the alterations that occur in these cells when suffering from endometriosis.

This study aims to identify target molecules that serve for therapeutic intervention.

"If this project succeeds, it will not only benefit people who suffer from the disease but also all those women who may suffer it, improving the diagnostic methods available. Also with the money raised we can help improve the quality of life of those women who currently suffer from endometriosis, designing new and more effective treatments, "says UMU Professor of Immunology.

In addition, according to García Peñarrubia, the public health system itself can be favored with the results, since thanks to the research could reduce the medical and social cost of this disease.

So far, the research group has managed to raise € 1,340, but need a minimum of € 2,000 to make the aid effective and buy the first antibodies.

The initial optimal objective for this team would be to get € 22,000, although there is no maximum funding limit.

With this money, additional material could be available, such as cell culture media, and even if the figure was exceeded, researchers could be hired and the proposed objectives broadened.

If you want to support the research, you can make your contribution until next November 19, when the financing campaign closes.

Source: Universidad de Murcia