Methods and compositions for treating endometriosis and endometriosis associated symptoms

Abstract

Methods and compositions are provided for treating endometriosis in an individual, and the pain associated with endometriosis. Aspects of the methods include administering to the individual an agent that promotes ALDH activity.

1 . A method of treating or preventing pain associated with endometriosis in an individual, comprising:
 administering to the individual an effective amount of an agent that promotes the activity of an aldehyde dehydrogenase.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the aldehyde dehydrogenase is ALDH2. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the agent is Alda-1 or an analog thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the agent is administered after the onset of pain. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the individual is a human. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the individual has a hypomorphic mutation in ALDH2. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the mutation is ALDH2*2. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the aldehyde dehydrogenase is ALDH2. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the agent is Alda-1 or an analog thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the agent is administered prior to the onset of pain. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the agent is administered after the onset of pain. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pain as is one or more of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and dysuria. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein treatment is systemic. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein treatment is localized. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein treatment comprises providing a pelvic, uterine, or vaginal implant comprising an effective dose of the agent that promotes the activity of an aldehyde dehydrogenase. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein treatment comprising providing a pelvic, uterine, or vaginal lotion, gel or cream comprising an effective dose of the agent that promotes the activity of an aldehyde dehydrogenase for local administration. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment results in a reduction of endometrial tissue.