Monika Golinska
Maria Wołyniak1
Wojciech Fendler- 1Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- 2Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- 3Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- 4Medical Research Agency, Warsaw, Poland
Chronic pain is a defining feature of endometriosis and contributes significantly to the diminished quality of life observed in affected individuals. Despite advances in understanding disease pathology, current therapeutic strategies largely fail to simultaneously target both lesion development and pain generation. In this review, we examine the neurobiology of endometriosis-associated pain at the level of the brain, dorsal root ganglia, and lesion innervation, with a particular focus on the interplay between inflammation and neurogenesis. We highlight how these processes converge on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, a critical regulator of both immune activation and nerve fiber growth. The central role of mast cells in coordinating inflammatory and neurogenic responses is also discussed. Emerging evidence supporting the use of JAK inhibitors and mast cell stabilizers in modulating these pathways is reviewed, with emphasis on their potential for repurposing in endometriosis therapy. By targeting the shared mechanisms underlying lesion progression and pain, these pharmacological strategies offer a promising avenue for improving clinical outcomes. Further research is necessary to validate the efficacy and safety of these approaches, but the therapeutic potential of JAK/STAT pathway inhibition and mast cell stabilization could represent a paradigm shift in endometriosis management.
1 Introduction
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by chronic pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, and often infertility. The primary symptom, pelvic pain, typically intensifies during menstruation and may be accompanied by lower back and abdominal discomfort (1). Chronic pain associated with endometriosis is strongly linked to psychological distress and depression (2, 3), likely due to shared neural pathways in the amygdala, hypothalamus, and anterior cingulate gyrus- areas which regulate stress responses and emotional processing (4, 5). However, it remains unclear whether endometriosis directly amplifies pain perception or if individuals with the condition inherently exhibit heightened pain sensitivity, predisposing them to diagnosis. The mechanisms underlying pain perception in endometriosis are highly complex, as various gynecological conditions, including pregnancy, also contribute to pain hypersensitivity, the release of inflammatory mediators, and alterations in immune system function (6). Bajaj et al. (2) demonstrated on a group of woman diagnosed with endometriosis that nociceptive signaling from visceral endometriotic lesions triggers central sensitization, contributing to hyperalgesia. This process may play a key role in the persistence of pain or the recurrence of symptoms following medical or surgical treatment in women with symptomatic endometriosis. Similarly, in a murine model of endometriosis researchers observed heightened pain sensitization, along with increased anxiety and depressive behaviors (5).
Molecular events contributing to pain generation in endometriosis remain mostly unknown. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms is therefore critical to the development of targeted treatments that could address the underlying causes of chronic pain in endometriosis. In this review, we discuss how endometriosis microenvironment contributes to neurogenesis and pain signaling. We highlight the role of JAK/STAT pathway and mast cells activation in endometriosis-related inflammation. We also discuss the potential of application of JAK inhibitors and mast cells stabilizers in pain management in endometriosis.
1.1 The functional interplay between inflammation and neurogenesis in endometriosis
The relationship between inflammation and neurogenesis has been studied to some degree in other chronic pain conditions (7–10), but has not been well researched in endometriosis. Dysregulated immune system is believed to be a key driver of endometriosis contributing to inadequate removal of endometrium fragments from peritoneal cavity. This further stimulates local inflammation. Endometrial lesions contain increased amounts of activated peritoneal mast cells and macrophages and have a lowered cytotoxicity of T and NK cells (11–14). Higher levels of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukins, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nerve growth factor (NGF) and chemokine RANTES/CCL5 were found in lesions and perioneal fluid of endometriosis patients (15, 16). It is likely that those factors also stimulate sensory nerve endings. Pelvic innervation was shown to differ in endometriosis sufferers compared to healthy controls. The presence of endometriosis-associated nerve fibers was correlated with pain perception in women affected by the condition (17). In those experiencing pelvic pain, the distance between endometrial glands and the nerve supply was found to be shorter (18). Additionally, nerve fiber densities were significantly higher in women with endometriosis compared to controls (19, 20). A greater number of nerve fibers were also identified in peritoneal endometriotic lesions than in normal peritoneum (21). Notably, subtypes of deep infiltrating endometriosis exhibited an even denser nerve supply compared to the innervation of the peritoneum (21).
It is possible that sensory nerves within endometriotic lesions interact with peritoneal immune cells by secreting neurotrophic factors. In peritoneal lesions, an increased number of macrophages have been observed to colocalize with nerve fibers (22), a process found to be driven by estradiol (23). Elevated immunoreactivity of NGF has also been reported near endometriotic glands (21). A recent study demonstrated that endometriosis-related pain is mediated through NGF-TrkA signaling (24). Furthermore, the estrogen-driven interplay between neurogenesis and the immune system has been shown to correlate with dysmenorrhea in endometriosis (25). The schematic of a cross-talk between inflammation and neurogenesis in endometriosis is presented in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Neuroinflammation and peripheral nerve remodeling in endometriosis. This schematic illustrates the contribution of peritoneal inflammation to peripheral nerve growth and sensitization in endometriotic lesions. Endometrial lesions release a variety of inflammatory and neurotrophic mediators—including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF)—that promote neurogenesis and the sprouting of sensory nerve fibers into ectopic tissue (A). This aberrant innervation enhances nociceptive signaling to the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Notably, elevated expression of transient receptor potential channels TRPV1 and TRPA1 has been observed in DRG neurons of individuals with endometriosis (B), correlating with increased pain sensitivity and chronic pelvic pain. Within the peritoneal microenvironment, neurotrophic factors such as NGF and BDNF further drive excessive axonal sprouting and hyperinnervation of endometriotic lesions (C). Endometrial tissue from both human and animal models shows increased infiltration and degranulation of mast cells (D, E), which release inflammatory mediators that amplify local immune responses. Additionally, ectopic endometrial tissue produces cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6), which activate the JAK/STAT signaling pathway (F), and upregulate the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), further exacerbating inflammation and pain.
1.2 Structural and biochemical brain changes in response to endometriosis generated pain
The brain, serving as the central coordination hub for all environmental stimuli, undergoes physiological transformations under their influence. Novel and intense stimuli activate neurons to restructure synaptic connections and form new ones, thereby initiating neurogenesis. Pain represents an exceptionally potent stimulus that induces significant modifications in the brain regions responsible for its processing. These changes are accompanied by observable electrophysiological alterations. In a study by Duric et al. (26) it was successfully demonstrated that pain can alter hippocampal morphology and gene expression in a mouse model of chronic and acute pain. Bromodeoxyuridine staining indicated that neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus was significantly reduced after long-term inflammatory nociception, implicating that prolonged nociceptive input triggers maladaptive neural plasticity, including the remodeling of synaptic connections and disruption of neurogenic processes. These findings suggest that neural changes induced by chronic pain, such as impaired neurogenesis and maladaptive plasticity, may play a significant pathophysiological role in endometriosis-associated pain.
Mice carrying endometriosis exhibited a higher sensitivity to pain, and showed signs of depression and anxiety. Their insula, amygdala, hippocampus and cerebral cortex all showed differential gene expression compared to non-endometriosis controls (27). The central nucleus of the amygdala, a region critically involved in pain perception and emotional processing, revealed significant alterations in gene expression and intrinsic electrophysiological properties of neurons in murine model of endometriosis (5). Others have reported an increased microglial soma size in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus of mice with endometriosis (28). Together, these observations underscore the contribution of central nervous system changes—such as neural remodeling, neuroinflammation, and sensitization processes—to the development and maintenance of chronic pain in endometriosis.
Women with endometriosis exhibit distinct neurobiological patterns compared to other patients with chronic pelvic pain. They show increased gray matter volume in the cerebellum (29). In addition, compared to pain-free controls, women with endometriosis demonstrate enhanced connectivity between the anterior insula and the medial prefrontal cortex, two regions heavily involved in pain perception and processing. Furthermore, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed altered brain chemistry in these patients, with higher concentrations of combined glutamine and glutamate in the anterior insula (30). Adaptations in the brain in response to chronic pain are presented in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Structural and functional adaptations in the brain associated with chronic pain. Chronic pain leads to widespread neuroplastic changes across the brain. These include altered brain morphology, such as increases in grey matter volume or microglial soma size; enhanced functional and structural connectivity between pain-processing regions; and differential gene expression in key areas such as the hippocampus, insula, amygdala, and cerebral cortex.
1.3 Dorsal root ganglion and its role in chronic pain in endometriosis
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons play a central role in mediating chronic pain associated with endometriosis. Acting as key relays between peripheral tissues and the central nervous system, DRG neurons undergo significant structural and molecular changes, driven by neurotrophic factors, such as NGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These factors have been documented in both human tissue samples and rodent models of endometriosis (31, 32) and they were found to promote excessive axonal sprouting and hyperinnervation of endometriotic lesions, amplifying nociceptive input to the spinal cord (33) (Figure 1A). Additionally, BDNF and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) contribute to pain amplification by enhancing neuronal excitability and fostering neuroimmune interactions within the DRG (31, 34).
Recent research has highlighted the molecular mechanisms underlying DRG neuron hyperexcitability in endometriosis, with a focus on ion channel regulation (see Figure 1B). Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, particularly TRPV1 and TRPA1, have emerged as key mediators of nociception in sensory neurons. Elevated expression of TRPV1 and TRPA1 has been observed in both human and rodent DRG neurons, correlating with heightened pain sensitivity and estrogen regulation (35–37). The pharmacological blockade of TRPV1 has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain responses in animal models, reinforcing its role in peripheral sensitization (35). In addition to TRP channels, sodium channels, such as NaV1.7, are significantly upregulated in neurons innervating pelvic organs affected by endometriosis. Functional studies have shown that NaV1.7 activation increases nociceptive sensitivity, further contributing to pain amplification (38). Purinergic signaling via the P2X3 receptor is another critical mechanism in pain modulation. Upregulation of P2X3 in DRG neurons has been linked to activation of the ATF3/AP-1 and ERK signaling pathways in animal models of endometriosis, establishing its role as a driver of nociceptive signaling (39–41). These findings underscore the central role of ion channel upregulation in DRG neuron hyperexcitability and its contribution to pain sensitization in endometriosis. Emerging therapeutic strategies have targeted these pathways. Experimental models have shown that CGRP-RAMP1 inhibition reduces endometriotic lesion size and pain responses, in mice suggesting clinical applications for modulating DRG-mediated nociceptive signaling (42). Moreover, research into DRG neuromodulation highlights its potential as a promising strategy for treating chronic pain, given the unique physiology and accessibility of DRG neurons (35–37). These findings underscore the interconnected role of neuroimmune and inflammatory signaling in peripheral sensitization and chronic pain management.
1.4 Changes in structure and location of neurons in endometriosis
Endometriosis is characterized by the aberrant presence of pathological neurons within affected tissues (43) (Figure 1C). NGF and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), are expressed in peritoneal endometriotic implants and in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis (44). NGF plays role in inflammation and pain processing: inflammatory cells stimulate the release of neuroactive cytokines and inflammatory mediators, with IL-1β and TNF-α acting as potent triggers for NGF synthesis (45) (see Figure 1A). Advances in immunohistochemistry have facilitated the detailed analysis of neuronal marker distribution in endometrial tissue, the myometrium, and endometriotic lesions, enabling a more precise understanding of the neural components involved in the disease pathology. In their research, Al-Jefout et al. (46) reported that the distance between endometrial glands and nerve fibers in endometriotic lesions was significantly shortened in women experiencing pain compared to those without pain (assessed with pain score). Additionally, women with endometriosis and pain symptoms exhibited a significantly higher density of nerve fibers than women with endometriosis- related infertility but no pain (46). Arnold et al. (47) identified an imbalance between sympathetic and sensory nerve fibers in peritoneal endometriosis. The peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis, compared to that from women without the disease, was shown to induce increased sprouting of sensory neurites from dorsal root ganglia while simultaneously inhibiting neurite outgrowth from sympathetic ganglia. Sensory C and autonomic nerve fibers were observed in the functional layer of the endometrium exclusively in women with endometriosis, with even greater densities detected in the basal layer, which implicates the possible role in maintenance of inflammation and pain (47). Tokushige et al. (19) further described the presence of numerous small unmyelinated nerve fibers in the functional layer of the endometrium in patients with endometriosis. These nerve fibers were predominantly located in the deeper portion of the functional layer, though some were observed in close proximity to the endometrial epithelial surface, particularly near blood vessels and glands. In contrast, no nerve fibers were detected in the functional layer of the endometrium in patients without endometriosis (21). Interestingly, the density of nerve fibers was greater during the secretory than in the menstrual or proliferative phases of the endometrial cycle (21).
1.5 Mast cells in inflammation, pain and endometriosis
Mast cells play a key role in neuromodulation by mediating a crosstalk between immune and nervous system (48, 49). They release a range of biomediators that impact neuroinflammation and pain signaling. The proliferation and homeostasis of mast cells is dependent on JAK/STAT pathway (50). The primary physiologic function of mast cells is to facilitate immune responses to infectious agents (51) but they are also involved in the degradation of toxic endogenous peptides (52) and wound healing responses (53–55). Overactivated mast cells are best known for promoting chronic inflammatory disorders and are early effectors of allergic disease, urticaria, anaphylaxis, arthritis, and asthma (56, 57). Their dysfunction can lead to mast cell activation syndrome and they have been shown to contribute to ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis among others (58, 59). Mast cells can cause profound inflammation and vasodilation and release inflammatory mediators including histamines, cytokines (TNF, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8), tryptase, chymase, prostaglandins and growth factors (60, 61).
Mast cells are crucial in the development of protective pain and they are thought to contribute to the regulation of pain signaling (62, 63). The role of mast cells has been correlated with the development of chronic pain in various conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis and in several brain disorders (63, 64). Activated mast cells are likely to sensitize primary nociceptive neurons by the release of histamines, NGF and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-8; the latter has been shown to activate prostaglandin-independent hyperalgesia in vivo (65).
Mast cells are speculated to play a key role in endometriosis; they impact the recruitment and performance of other immune cells. Increased levels of mast cells and their augmented degranulation was shown in endometrial tissue of animal models and humans (66–68) (Figures 1D, E). We have shown that endometrial lesion tissue has an increased expression of mast cell markers including KIT, CPA3 and both MS4A2 and MS4A6A compared to control endometrium (69). Mast cells were found to promote endometrial cells migration in in vitro assays (70) and shown to colocalize to the vasculature of ovarian endometriomas. Endometrial lesions secrete mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and substance P, which are known to attract mast cells. Studies have shown that increased mast cell infiltration and degranulation are influenced by NGF production within endometrial tissue (33). Mast cells are believed to partake in neuropathic pain development in endometriosis. Pain intensity in patients correlated positively with an elevated number of mast cells in lesions, which were mostly located near nerve fibers (71).
Human MrgprX2 and its murine ortholog MrgprB2 are G protein–coupled receptors selectively expressed on connective-tissue mast cells. These receptors mediate rapid, non-IgE-dependent mast cell activation in response to neuropeptides such as substance P and PACAP, as well as various drugs and cationic peptides. Their activation establishes a bidirectional communication axis between mast cells and peripheral sensory neurons, promoting neurogenic inflammation and pain (72, 73).
In vivo studies across multiple tissues-including skin, meninges, bladder, and gut-have demonstrated the functional importance of this pathway. In murine models of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), MrgprB2-dependent mast cell–neuron circuits promote bladder inflammation and colonic hypersensitivity; MRGPRX2 antagonism reduces these effects in humanized mice (74). Similarly, in migraine models, MrgprB2+ meningeal mast cells respond to compound 48/80 or PACAP with pain behaviors absent in knockout animals; MRGPRX2+ humanized mice show enhanced responses (72). In the skin, MrgprB2 mediates mast cell degranulation and neurogenic inflammation induced by substance P, LL-37, and drugs like compound 48/80, with effects abolished by receptor knockout or antagonism (73). In the gut, human colonic mast cells express MRGPRX2 and respond to agonists, with altered profiles in IBS biopsies (75).
Despite this broad relevance, MrgprX2/B2 signaling has not been studied in gynecological tissues to-date. The presence of MrgprB2+ mast cells was shown in the uterus and mammary gland (76), yet no in vivo data addresses receptor activation, neuron interaction, or its roles in pain or lesion formation.
This gap limits our understanding of mast cell–neuron signaling in reproductive disorders. Future studies could reveal whether MrgprX2/B2 contributes to pelvic pain and inflammation in conditions like endometriosis offering new targets for non-hormonal therapy.
1.6 Role of JAK/STAT pathway in endometriosis and pain development
Both neurogenesis and inflammation converge on JAK/STAT pathway, which provides a rapid membrane-to-nucleus signaling platform that mediates cellular inflammation response (77, 78). This central pathway is responsible for transmitting extracellular signals that govern migratory and invasive properties of cells. JAK/STAT pathway overactivation was shown to facilitate proliferation and angiogenesis in cancer (79), in breast malignancies its prolonged activation was linked with tumor development (80) and therapy resistance (81).
Various cytokines that play a role in the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases utilize JAKs and STATs proteins to transmit intracellular signals and impact homeostasis. Dysregulation of JAK/STAT pathway and mutations and polymorphisms in its genes correlate with numerous immunodeficiency syndromes (82, 83). Altered JAK/STAT signaling was detected in endometriosis (84) (Figure 1F). Phosphorylation of STAT3 was upregulated in endometriosis lesions (85) and activated STAT3 increased proliferation of endometrial stromal cells (86). IL-6 mediated activation of STAT3 was correlated with fibrosis in endometriosis (87).
The JAK/STAT pathway plays an essential role in maintenance of neural stem cells (NSCs) (88, 89) and pain signaling (90). On the other hand, cytokine IL-15 produced by adult NSCs contributes to STAT proteins activation (91). STAT3 has been shown to regulate neuropathic pain maintenance in rats. Pain resulting from nerve injury was accompanied by an increase in STAT3 phosphorylation in microglial cells of dorsal spinal cord (92) and by an increase in JAK/STAT signaling and resulting augmented proliferation of astrocytes (93). IL-6 signaling system is known to activate JAK/STAT pathway; increased expression of IL-6 mRNA was observed in dorsal root ganglia and in dorsal spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain (92). JAK/STAT pathway was shown to be involved in synaptic plasticity in the brain (94).
Gain-of-function mutations in the JAK–STAT signaling pathway are well-established molecular drivers of immune dysregulation (95–98). Such mutations typically enhance cytokine responsiveness or lead to constitutive activation of downstream transcriptional programs, often by disrupting autoinhibitory domains or promoting ligand-independent phosphorylation and dimerization (95, 98). Those gain-of-function mutations have been found in various auto-immune diseases.
JAK1 mutations are associated with severe allergic disease, eosinophilia, and Th2-biased inflammation (95, 99). STAT3 gain-of-function mutations lead to autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Mechanistic studies using overexpression systems, CRISPR murine models, and phospho-signaling assays have confirmed their pathogenicity and responsiveness to JAK inhibitors (98, 100). STAT6 gain-of-function mutations increase basal activity and IL-4/IL-13 sensitivity, promoting allergic phenotypes and, in some cases, lymphoma (96, 97).
To date, no gain-of-function mutations in JAK1, STAT3, STAT5B, or STAT6 have been identified in human endometriosis tissues, cell lines, or animal models. This remains an important area for future investigation. Introducing validated gain-of-function alleles into endometrial stromal or epithelial models could provide a powerful strategy to uncover causal mechanisms and potentially reveal novel therapeutic targets.
The JAK/STAT pathway varies by tissue context. In the eutopic endometrium, cyclical fluctuations in macrophages, neutrophils, and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells play a vital role in tissue remodeling and immune regulation (101). In endometriosis, however, these immune cell populations—particularly macrophages and neutrophils—are dysregulated, especially during the proliferative phase, suggesting a disruption in immune–neural communication (102). The JAK/STAT pathway is a key regulator of immune cell function, including the pain-related activity of macrophages. Dysregulation of this pathway—particularly through IL-23/IL-17 signaling and the TYK2-JAK2 axis—can enhance neutrophil activation and contribute to pain sensitization. Pharmacological inhibition of this pathway has been shown to reduce inflammatory responses in other autoimmune diseases and is therefore likely to be beneficial in endometriosis.
1.7 Translational potential of repurposing JAK/STAT inhibitors and mast cell stabilizers for endometriosis
1.7.1 Current research and clinical use of JAK inhibitors in autoimmune diseases
Various JAK inhibitors are approved for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and some for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (103, 104); others are considered for treatment of solid tumors (105). JAK inhibitors have been reviewed extensively elsewhere (104, 106, 107). Those approved for clinical use are summarized in Table 1. In this review, we discuss those applications that could be relevant in relieving endometriosis symptoms. Tofacitinib, JAK inhibitor, has emerged as a key therapeutic agent for managing autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, dermatitis, and ulcerative colitis (110). By inhibiting the phosphorylation of JAK enzymes, tofacitinib blocks their activation within the JAK/STAT pathway, which is critical for initiating and sustaining inflammatory responses. It was shown that the inhibition of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3)—an inducible negative regulator of the JAK/STAT pathway that is strongly expressed in the adipose tissue of patients with Graves’ orbitopathy—resulted in a significant reduction in both proinflammatory cytokine production and adipogenesis (111). Gupta et al. (112) showed that targeting the JAK-STAT pathway alleviates salivary gland inflammation and mitigates interferon-mediated immune activation in Sjögren’s disease (112). Moreover, JAK inhibitors were shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of refractory, moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (107). As a result, they are utilized as second-line therapeutic agents in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in patients who have an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional therapies such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or biologic agents. The targeted modulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, allows for the attenuation of proinflammatory cytokine signaling, which plays a central role in the pathogenesis of IBD.
The JAK/STAT signaling pathway has been identified as a key mechanism in the development and pathophysiology of inflammatory joint diseases. Yang et al. (113) demonstrated that matrine may exert therapeutic effects in collagen-induced arthritis by suppressing the proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and promoting their apoptosis, at least in part through the downregulation of the JAK/STAT signaling cascade (113). Furthermore, activation of the JAK/STAT pathway by interferon-γ has been shown to confer resistance to apoptosis in synovial cells in the context of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis, contributing to their excessive proliferation (106). In a study by Suda et al. (114), the inhibitory effects of five JAK inhibitors—including tofacitinib, baricitinib, peficitinib, upadacitinib, and filgotinib—were compared with respect to interleukin (IL)-6-induced inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissues. The findings indicate that although all five JAK inhibitors were shown to reduce IL-6-induced inflammatory and angiogenic factors, variations in their efficacy may be attributed to distinct molecular mechanisms and pharmacological characteristic (114).
1.7.2 Role of mast cells stabilizers in autoimmune diseases
Mast cell stabilizers mitigate allergic responses by inhibiting mast cell degranulation and preventing the release of vasoactive mediators, including histamine. The stabilizers approved for clinical use are summarized in Table 2. Owing to their mechanism of action, mast cell stabilizers represent a promising class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases characterized by eosinophilic infiltration and mast cell degranulation. Conditions such as asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis, in which these immunological processes play a central role, are thought to particularly benefit from the ability of mast cell stabilizers to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing tissue inflammation and associated symptoms. Examples of drugs in this group include among others: Cromolyn sodium, Nedocromil sodium and Lodoxamide trometamol. Although their precise mechanism of action remains unclear, these compounds are believed to exert their effects by stabilizing the mast cell membrane and restricting calcium influx (115, 116). Despite structural diversity within this class of agents, their shared ability to modulate calcium dynamics is thought to be central to their function. Lodoxamide, a mast cell stabilizer was assessed for its effectiveness in reducing local allergic responses in the conjunctiva of rats through in vivo testing, as well as its capacity to suppress the release of mediators from rat conjunctival mast cells in vitro (117). The findings indicate that lodoxamide’s anti-allergic effects observed in the conjunctiva are closely linked to its ability to inhibit the release of allergic mediators from mast cells located within this tissue (117). Given the inflammatory role of mast cells and their presence in the CNS, the effect of ketotifen fumarate, a mast cell stabilizer, was investigated in the context of encephalomyelitis development in mouse model. A significant reduction in disease severity and prevalence was observed following early ketotifen treatment. This protective effect was associated with reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, rebalanced oxidative stress, and decreased T cell infiltration in the CNS. These findings reinforce the relevance of mast cells in encephalomyelitic spathogenesis and suggest that Ketotifen may serve as a potential therapeutic approach (116) Evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that ketotifen, either used alone or in combination with other interventions, improves asthma control and reduces wheezing in children with mild to moderate asthma. These findings suggest that ketotifen may be an effective therapeutic option in pediatric asthma management, particularly in cases where inflammation and allergic responses play a significant role (118) To the present day there are no clinical trials considering mast cell stabilizers in endometriosis, but Li-bo Zhu et al. (119) revealed that sodium cromoglycate can stabilize mast cells from degranulation, thus relieving the clinical endometriosis symptoms in a rat model.
2 Discussion
Chronic pain is a hallmark of endometriosis, yet effective strategies for pain management remain limited. Many patients ultimately require surgical removal of lesions, and even this approach does not resolve all pelvic pain problems. There is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms underlying pain generation and signaling in endometriosis to guide the development of targeted therapies.
In this review, we present evidence from animal models demonstrating that structural and molecular alterations in key brain regions involved in pain perception—such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex—are most likely linked to increased pain sensitivity and the persistence of pain, which in turn contributes to emotional disturbances such as anxiety and depression. We also highlight that pain-related changes in endometriosis occur at multiple levels, ranging from structural brain alterations, through changes in the dorsal root ganglia, to increased neuronal density in close proximity to endometriotic lesions. These observations underscore the need for therapeutic strategies that address chronic pain in endometriosis across these various levels. In this context, we propose that preventing mast cell degranulation, along with targeting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway—particularly through its inhibition—may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for effective intervention.
The JAK/STAT signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating inflammatory responses and is essential for proper mast cell function. Notably, the JAK/STAT axis has emerged as a critical mediator of neuroinflammation, making it a compelling target for investigating the pathophysiology of endometriosis-associated chronic pain. In this review, we examine the mechanisms underlying pain signaling in endometriosis and their relationship to lesion development, highlighting how key mediators involved in JAK/STAT signaling and mast cell activation contribute to pain generation. We present emerging evidence that underscores the significance of the JAK/STAT pathway in endometriosis-related neuroinflammation and emphasize the central role of mast cells in modulating pain. We propose that these two components—JAK/STAT signaling and mast cell activity—require deeper investigation, particularly regarding their potential interaction in the context of chronic pain in endometriosis (see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Schematic representation of the neuro-immune loop in endometriosis. This figure illustrates the proposed interaction between endometrial lesions, peripheral neurons, and mast cells, contributing to chronic inflammation and pain in endometriosis. Ectopic endometrial lesions release pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors, which activate nearby mast cells and promote neuronal sensitization. Activated mast cells degranulate, releasing inflammatory mediators such as histamine, tryptase, and prostaglandins, which further sensitize neurons and sustain the inflammatory environment. This establishes a self-amplifying neuro-immune loop. The schematic also highlights the potential therapeutic effects of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and mast cell stabilizers, which may disrupt this loop by reducing the release of inflammatory mediators.
A recent case report described a 38-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis and primary infertility who conceived six months after initiating JAK inhibitor therapy with tofacitinib. Although there are no previous reports linking tofacitinib to improved fertility in cases related to endometriosis, this finding raises the possibility of a connection between JAK pathway inhibition, inflammation associated with endometriosis, and fertility outcomes. Similarly, such association should be explored in relation to endometriosis-associated pain. Further well-designed studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential and safety of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of endometriosis.
To date, no comprehensive study has examined the interplay between inflammation, neurogenesis, mast cell activation, and JAK/STAT signaling in endometriosis. Addressing this gap is crucial, as these pathways are increasingly recognized as key contributors to disease progression and pain. Although there is currently no direct evidence supporting the efficacy of JAK inhibitors or mast cell stabilizers in endometriosis, the well-documented overactivation of both pathways in the disease highlights their potential as therapeutic targets. Drawing on evidence from other autoimmune and chronic pain conditions—as well as current insights into JAK/STAT signaling and mast cell involvement in endometriosis—we propose that evaluating these agents represents a promising and necessary direction for future research and therapeutic development.
Author contributions
MG: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. MW: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. PK: Writing – original draft. WF: Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This research is part of the project No. 2022/47/P/NZ5/02484 co-funded by the National Science Centre and the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020 under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 945339. For the purpose of Open Access, the author has applied a CC-BY public copyright license to any Author Accepted Manuscript (AAM) version arising from this submission”.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Keywords: endometriosis, neuroinflammation, chronic pain, Janus kinase inhibitors, mast cell stabilizers, neuromodulation
Citation: Golinska M, Wołyniak M, Kulesza P and Fendler W (2025) Neuroinflammation is responsible for pain in endometriosis - targeting the JAK-STAT pathway and mast cell activation. Front. Immunol. 16:1621178. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1621178
Received: 30 April 2025; Accepted: 31 July 2025;
Published: 29 August 2025.
Edited by:
Xing Zhang, National University of Singapore, SingaporeReviewed by:
Xin Luo, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, ChinaMasato Tamari, National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD), Japan
Copyright © 2025 Golinska, Wołyniak, Kulesza and Fendler. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Monika Golinska, bW9uaWthLmdvbGluc2thQHVtZWQubG9kei5wbA==