Pathogenesis of endometriosis: the role of defective 'immunosurveillance'.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the aetiopathogenesis and the role of defective 'immunosurveillance' in endometriosis.


METHODS
Review of studies on the pathogenesis of endometriosis, focusing particularly on novel molecules which express adhesive or proteolytic properties. Hypotheses addressing the role of oxidative stress in endometriosis were also reviewed.


RESULTS
Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease associated with a general inflammatory response aiming to clear the peritoneal cavity from the ectopic endometriotic cells and tissue. Modern theories suggest that this inflammatory response creates an environment that may promote implantation and proliferation due to defective 'immunosurveillance'.


CONCLUSIONS
The modern interpretation of the theory of reflux menstruation holds that women destined to develop endometriosis have a deficient immune system, which cannot defend against regurgitated endometrial cells. New findings on genetics, immune modulation, and secreted products of endometriotic lesions of affected women have given insight into the pathogenesis of this disorder and may serve as the background for new treatments of endometriosis-associated pain and infertility.
Christodoulakos
George
G
2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Augoulea
Areti
A
Lambrinoudaki
Irene
I
Sioulas
Vasilios
V
Creatsas
George
G
D002448:Cell Adhesion; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases; D007157:Immunologic Surveillance; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances; D018384:Oxidative Stress