Plenary Lecture
Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy for Endometriosis
Professor Ronald Wang
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
E-mail: ccwang@cuhk.edu.hk
Abstract: Endometriosis is a chronic disorder characterized by the implantation of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity, leading to pelvic pain, infertility and menstrual problems. It is associated with high gynecological morbidity and socioeconomic problems as a major challenge to women health worldwide. Although the condition has been recognized for many years, the underlying cause of endometriosis is still poorly understood. In turn, it results in inadequate treatment and high recurrence. It is widely accepted that angiogenesis, the formation and sprouting of new blood vessels, plays a pivotal role in the growth and survival of endometriosis. Green tea is a natural product which has potent anti-angiogenic activities. We showed that green tea epigallocatchin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibit angiogenesis of endometriosis, but suffer from poor bioavailability. Octacetate derivatives as prodrug of EGCG (Pro-EGCG) increase stability and bioavailability and selectively enhance the efficacy to inhibit angiogenesis and growth of endometriosis. We further confirm the superior therapeutic and anti-angiogenesis effects of oral Pro-drug of green tea EGCG than other catechins, GnRH analogue and VEGFR inhibitor for treatment of endometriosis. There is an urgent need in seeking better therapeutic approaches for endometriosis. We concluded that oral pro-EGCG demonstrates significant biological activities with superior efficacy and safety profiles than other current and new medical treatment. Pro-EGCG as an anti-angiogenesis agent will be a novel treatment for endometriosis.
Brief Biography of the Speaker: Prof. Wang is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Principal investigator of Reproduction and Development of Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences in The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Prof. Wang had published over 26 book chapters, 140 peer-reviewed papers and 250 conference abstracts on many acclaimed journals. His success in obstetrics and gynaecology research has earned him multiple local and international scholarships and awards. He was appointed to the editorial boards and review panels of many important research funding agents and journals.