Pesticide exposure, cell-free DNA, and gut/genital microbiome signatures in women with endometriosis
Official title: Pesticides and Infertility: Oxidative Stress Via Circulating Cell-free DNA and Gut/Genital Microbiome Signatures in Women With Endometriosis
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens · NCT07471373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether pesticide exposure is linked to oxidative-stress-related changes in circulating cell-free DNA and to differences in the gut and genital microbiomes in women with endometriosis and infertility.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 43 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Salouël) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 2028 |
| Study ends | May 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07471373 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18–43 with confirmed stage 3–4 endometriosis or women 18–43 with male-factor infertility and no evidence of endometriosis, who have not used antibiotics in the prior three months, are covered by national health insurance, and can give informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Women older than 43, those who are overweight, obese, or severely underweight, recent antibiotic users, or participants in other pharmacologic studies are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The project will measure circulating cell-free DNA to estimate oxidative stress and explore its epigenetic features in women with advanced endometriosis. Investigators will quantify pesticide exposure and correlate chemical burden with gut and genital microbiome composition. Microbiome characterization will use culture, qPCR, and next-generation sequencing on vaginal, endometrial, and stool samples to seek reproducible signatures. The overall aim is to improve early diagnosis and identify potential targets for new therapeutic strategies based on combined exposure and microbiome markers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier diagnosis of endometriosis-related infertility and suggest microbiome- or exposure-targeted treatment approaches.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies have reported microbiome alterations in endometriosis and some associations between environmental chemicals and reproductive outcomes, but combining pesticide exposure, cfDNA oxidative-stress markers, and multi-site microbiome profiling is largely novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The "case" group will include: * All women aged 18 to 43, with confirmed endometriosis and endometriosis grade 3 or 4 as defined by the 1985 revised version of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. * The "control" group will include: * All women aged between 18 and 43, whose infertility problem is proven male infertility and who do not have endometriosis identified by biological, genetic and clinical tests. * The following criteria will apply to both groups: * All women who have not received antibiotic treatment in the three months preceding inclusion and who are not participating in any pharmacological study. * All women who are covered under the national social security health insurance scheme. * All women who have signed a written informed consent form, thereby confirming their participation in the study after a period of free and informed reflection. Exclusion Criteria: * All women aged 44 and over. * Women who are overweight, obese or anorexic. * Women taking antibiotics 3 months prior to inclusion, or participating in a drug study. * All women under anti-GnRH treatment, pregnant or suffering from a chronic inflammatory disease such as Crohn's disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc. * All women whose endometriosis has not been formally confirmed by the tests offered by the Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, CECOS de Picardie, CHU Amiens-Picardie. * All patients under guardianship, curators or safeguard of justice. * All patients who have not signed the written consent confirming their participation in the study, after a period of free and informed reflection. * Any patient who withdraws her consent for participation in the study.
Where it's running
-
CHRU Amiens
Salouël, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Moncef BENKHALIFA, Pr
- Email: benkhalifa.moncef@chu-amiens.fr
- Phone: 33+3 22 08 73 72
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Mapping the cellular landscape of endometriosis
This study is trying to understand the differences between healthy tissue and endometriosis by looking at samples from women during their menstrual cycles to see how certain cells and hormones are involved in the condition.
-
Comparing different techniques to treat endometriosis
This study is testing different methods to treat endometriosis, like laser and heat techniques, to see which one works best for relieving pain in women who are already having surgery for the condition.
-
Complete colorectal deep infiltrating endometriosis surgery before IVF to improve fertility
This trial tests whether having complete surgery for colorectal deep infiltrating endometriosis before in vitro fertilization (IVF) helps women with endometriosis and infertility get pregnant.
-
Postoperative Pain Trajectories After Endometriosis Surgery
This study tests how pain changes after endometriosis surgery and whether perioperative pain testing can predict who will have ongoing pain.
-
Imaging endometriosis with a special PET tracer in adult women
This study tests whether a PET/CT scan using [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 can help detect endometriosis lesions in women who are planning laparoscopy.
-
Fiber supplement for digestive symptoms in endometriosis
A fiber-based supplement is being tested to see if it is safe and helps with gut and vaginal microbiomes and digestive symptoms in women with endometriosis.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.