Pathophysiology of endometriosis. Novel concepts

Goette M, Kiesel L

Abstract

Background. Endometriosis is associated with pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sexual intercourse, and subfertility. In addition, the disease is associated with high levels of psychological stress. Materials and methods. Based on the current literature, the pathophysiological knowledge of endometriosis is presented. Results. New research results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of endometriosis-associated pain, posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms, and the role of stem cells in the etiology of the disease. microRNAs can be detected with high specificity and sensitivity and may serve as future biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis and for monitoring therapeutic success. Moreover, endometriosis presents as an estrogen-dependent neuroinflammatory disease, which has been successfully modulated by steroids in preclinical models. Similarly, the function and recruitment of endometrial stem cells can be influenced by steroids. Conclusion. The promising results of preclinical studies on these novel etiological concepts provide the basis for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts for endometriosis.

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