Induction of Experimental Endometriosis in Rat: Evaluation of Systemic Inflammatory Response and Liver Tissue Changes

Introduction: Nowadays non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFAD) is considered as a serious problem in human societies. Recently, the possibility of an association between endometriosis and NAFAD has been considered. This study was designed to evaluate some general inflammation parameters and hepatic lesions during and after experimental endometriosis. Material and Methods: In 20 female rats, the endometriosis model was induced by suturing parts of the uterine horn wall to the mesenteric gut. After four weeks, the rats in group I were euthanized and endometriosis cysts and some fragments of their liver were used for histopathological evaluation. At the same time, endometrial cysts were surgically removed in the rats of group II and they were kept for four weeks later. In addition, hematobiochemical evaluation was performed. In group II, similar evaluative investigations were performed 8 weeks after experimental surgery. Results: Significant increase in triglyceride, LDL, AST, ALP, ALT and estrogen parameters was observed in this study (P˂0.05), Whereas, total WBC count, lymphocyte, PCV and HDL level decreased significantly (P˂0.05). In histopathological evaluation, induction of endometriosis was confirmed at the microscopic level, but no evidence of fatty liver or hepatic inflammation was found. Conclusion: Despite notable changes in some hematobiochemical factors in rats with experimental endometriosis, there was no evidence of fatty liver and hepatic inflammation. Therefore, there may be no association between endometriosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.