Modeling mechanics of endometriosis – MoMEndo

Project "Modeling Mechanics of Endometriosis" (MoMEndo) targets endometriosis, a neuro-inflammatory disease affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. This condition is characterized by the presence of tissue resembling the uterine lining outside the uterus, leading to chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, and infertility. Current treatments, including medical management and surgery, fail to provide definitive solutions, highlighting the urgent need for a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology.
MoMEndo focuses on two primary research hypotheses: (1) endometriosis alters the mechanical properties of pelvic organs, and (2) associated pain results from the deformation or damage to nerve fibers. To validate these hypotheses, the project outlines three major objectives: characterizing the mechanical properties of endometriotic lesions, modeling the impact of endometriosis on organ mechanics, and linking these mechanisms to pain perception.
The methodology integrates experimental testing and numerical modeling, utilizing tissue samples collected from surgical patients and clinical imaging. Key components include the characterization of macroscale tissue mechanics through mechanical testing and the development of a constitutive model for endometriosis on the one hand, and numerical modeling of pelvic mechanics to evaluate the effects of various physiological loads on the other hand.
Dr. Madge Martin, a CNRS researcher with extensive experience in biomechanics, leads the project alongside experts in gynecology and reproductive medicine. This collaborative effort seeks to establish a comprehensive understanding of endometriosis biomechanics, aiming to enhance patient management and treatment strategies. The MoMEndo project will contribute to the scientific community's knowledge base while providing a framework for future interdisciplinary research, with the potential to significantly impact women's health outcomes.