ISSN 0300-9092 (Print)
ISSN 2412-5679 (Online)

Current experimental models of endometriosis: achievements and prospects

Levakov S.A., Gromova T.A., Ishbaeva D.I.

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects about 10–15% of reproductive-aged women and is the leading cause of pelvic pain and infertility. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease remain poorly understood; therefore, it is difficult to develop effective treatment methods. This review focuses on the analysis of current experimental models used to study endometriosis, including in vitro, in vivo, and interdisciplinary models. Particular attention is paid to innovative technologies such as three-dimensional cell cultures (spheroids, organoids), microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems and 3D bioprinting. These approaches make it possible to model complex intercellular interactions and physiological processes, bringing in vitro conditions closer to in vivo reality. This article examines models using rodents and non-human primates, the advantages and limitations of these models and their role in studying pathogenesis and testing therapeutic agents. 
Conclusion. A review of the literature shows that, despite the variety of models, each has its limitations when it comes to fully simulating the clinical picture of the disease in humans. The integration of traditional animal models with advanced cellular technologies and imaging techniques opens up new perspectives for basic research and preclinical development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for endometriosis.

Authors’ contributions. Levakov S.A. – developing the concept of the study; Gromova T.A. – developing the concept of the study, editing the material, writing the text; Ishbaeva D.I. – collecting and processing the material, writing the text.
Conflicts of interest. Authors declare lack of the possible conflicts of interests.
Funding. The study was conducted without sponsorship.
Generative Artificial Intelligence. No generative artificial intelligence technologies were used in the preparation of this article.
For citation: Levakov S.A., Gromova T.A., Ishbaeva D.I. 
Current experimental models of endometriosis: achievements and prospects.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; (9): 49-56 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2026.160

Keywords

endometriosis
experimental models
tissue culture
in vitro model
in vivo model

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Received 07.05.2026

Accepted 09.07.2026

About the Authors

Sergey A. Levakov, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ICM named N.V. Sklifosovsky, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, 119991, Moscow, Trubetskaya str., 8, bld. 2, +7(495)609-14-00, levakoff@yandex.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4591-838X
Tatyana A. Gromova, PhD, Assistant at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ICM named N.V. Sklifosovsky, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, 119991, Moscow, Trubetskaya str., 8, bld. 2, +7(495)609-14-00, tgromova928@yandex.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6104-9842
Dilfuzakhan I. Ishbaeva, PhD student at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ICM named N.V. Sklifosovsky, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, +7(495)609-14-00, 119991, Moscow, Trubetskaya str., 8, bld. 2, +7(495)609-14-00, dilfuza.ishbayeva@gmail.com,
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1999-0273
Corresponding author: Tatyana A. Gromova, tgromova928@yandex.ru

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