title: Role of environmental organochlorinated pollutants in the development of endometriosis.
abstract: Endometriosis is a gynecological disease, which involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, commonly in the pelvic region. The etiology of the disease is unclear, but multiple factors may contribute to its pathogenesis. Environmental organochlorinated pollutants, particularly dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are thought to play a role in the development of this disease; however, the results of clinical trials are discordant, and it is not clear how the effect of exposure to these compounds is linked to endometriosis. Their effects on cytokines, immune system, hormones, and growth factors are thought to increase the risk of endometriosis. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of epidemiological studies, which have evaluated the relationship between endometriosis and exposure to persistent organochlorinated pollutants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Porpora
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Resta
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fuggetta
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Storelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Megiorni
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Manganaro
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Urology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Felip
mesh_terms: D004147:Dioxins / Q000009:adverse effects; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004967:Estrogens; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007107:Immune System; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000009:adverse effects; D011374:Progesterone
chemical_list: D004147:Dioxins; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D004967:Estrogens; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D011374:Progesterone; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls