Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist rosiglitazone reduces the size of experimental endometriosis in the rat model

Background: The effect of rosiglitazone, an activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, on the growth of ectopic uterine tissue was assessed. Methods: Endometriosis was surgically induced in 28 rats by transplanting an autologous fragment of endometrial tissue onto the inner surface of the abdominal wall. Four weeks later, rats were randomly grouped and a second laparatomy was performed. The length, width, height and volume of the explants were measured. Rosiglitazone at 0.2 mg/kg/day was orally administered to one group, while vehicle treatment was given to the control group. Four weeks later, rats were sacrificed and ectopic uterine tissues were re-evaluated morphologically and histologically. Scoring system was used to evaluate the preservation of epithelia. Results: One rat in the study group and two rats in the control group died as a result of complications related to surgery. There was a significant difference in post-treatment length, width, height, and spherical volumes between control and rosiglitazone-treated groups. The epithelia were found to be preserved significantly better in the control group when compared with the rosiglitazone-treated group. Conclusion: Rosiglitazone was found to cause regression of experimental endometriosis in rats.