Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Healthcare System, Tacoma, Washington 98431, USA.
Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Aug;25(4):280-6. doi: 10.1097/GCO.0b013e3283630d56.
Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder characterized by the displacement of endometrial tissue to ectopic locations. Although predisposition to endometriosis is likely multifactorial, a genetic component is evident. The biochemistry of the disorder is an area of active investigation with translational potential. This review synopsizes recent developments regarding the molecular underpinnings of endometriosis.
Significant advancements in understanding the molecular hallmarks of endometriosis have occurred in recent years. Inflammation, attenuated progesterone action, and neuroangiogenesis constitute emerging themes in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
Delineation of the biochemical processes involved in endometriosis has important implications for clinical care. The discovery of a sufficiently sensitive and specific biomarker for the nonsurgical detection of endometriosis promises earlier diagnosis and prevention of deleterious sequelae. Understanding the inflammatory cause, attenuated progesterone action at the level of the endometrium, and neuronal sensitization of endometriotic lesions has facilitated development of novel therapeutic approaches for associated pain and infertility.
子宫内膜异位症是一种常见的妇科疾病，其特征是子宫内膜组织异位到异位部位。尽管子宫内膜异位症的易感性可能是多因素的，但存在遗传因素。该疾病的生物化学是一个活跃的研究领域，具有转化潜力。本综述概述了子宫内膜异位症分子基础的最新研究进展。
近年来，人们对子宫内膜异位症分子特征的理解取得了重大进展。炎症、孕激素作用减弱和神经血管生成是子宫内膜异位症病理生理学中的新兴主题。
阐明与子宫内膜异位症相关的生化过程对临床护理具有重要意义。发现一种足够敏感和特异的生物标志物，用于非手术检测子宫内膜异位症，有望实现更早的诊断和预防有害后果。了解炎症的原因、子宫内膜孕激素作用减弱以及子宫内膜异位症病变的神经元致敏，有助于为相关疼痛和不孕开发新的治疗方法。
