IKBFU Researchers Take out Patent on Early Genetic Diagnosis

Researchers from the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University took out a patent on their invention of the method for preventive genetic diagnosis of genital endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a genetically determined, chronic, dishormonal, immune-related, widespread gynecological disease. It is characterized by the presence of cells similar to those in the endometrium outside the uterus. According to the researchers, the real incidence of genital endometriosis can hardly be estimated, as the diagnosis can be verified only by histological examination of postoperative or autopsy material.

The study was conducted by the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University researchers Daria Skuratovskaia, Kristina IUrova, Natalia Kulikova, Oleg Sednev and Larisa Litvinova.

According to Prof. Dr Larisa Litvinova, head of the Laboratory of Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology (IKBFU), genital endometriosis takes the third place in the rating of diseases of female genital organs in Russia. Laparoscopy method of diagnosis shows that 20-90% of the patients, who suffer from pelvic pain or infertility, have endometriosis.

In recent years, the incidence of genital endometriosis has increased by 1-9%, so endometriosis can be considered as one of the diseases of civilization.

Prof. Dr Larisa Litvinova, head of the Laboratory of Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology (IKBFU):

The method of preventive diagnosis of genital endometriosis is based on detection of specific gene markers. This method can be used for early diagnosis of the disease and its personalized treatment.