Dioxin and endometrial progesterone resistance.
Development of endometriosis likely requires multiple, interactive mechanisms involving both the endocrine and immune systems. Environmental toxicants, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), are of particular interest as potential contributory agents in the development of this disease because they can disrupt both systems. Nevertheless, defining the potential role that environmental exposure to TCDD plays in the development of endometriosis requires a better understanding of how this toxicant affects the biological processes that promote the disease. Although the disease mechanism(s) responsible for progesterone resistance in the endometrium of endometriosis patients remains speculative, our studies indicate that developmental exposure of mice to TCDD leads to a progesterone-resistant phenotype in adult animals that can persist for several generations. These studies and others underscore the importance of developing a greater understanding of the mechanisms of TCDD action that relate to reproductive disorders such as endometriosis.
Bruner-Tran
Kaylon L
KL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2519. Kaylon.bruner-tran@vanderbilt.edu
Ding
Tianbing
T
Osteen
Kevin G
KG
D000818:Animals; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism*; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D011374:Progesterone