title: Endometriosis as a detrimental condition for granulosa cell steroidogenesis and development: From molecular alterations to clinical impact.
abstract: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory condition that affects women in their reproductive period. Alterations in ovarian follicle morphology and function have been documented in affected women. The local intrafollicular environment has been as well examined by various groups. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the molecular evidence supporting the idea that endometriosis can negatively influence growth, steroidogenesis and the function of the granulosa cells (GCs). Reduced P450 aromatase expression, increased intracellular ROS generation and altered WNT signaling characterize the GCs of women with endometriosis. Clear evidence for an increased level of GC apoptosis has been provided in association with the downregulation of pro-survival factors. Other potentially negative effects include decreased progesterone production, locally decreased AMH production and lower inflammatory cytokine expression, although these have been only partially clarified. The possibility that endometriosis per se may influence IVF clinical results as a consequence of the detrimental impact on the local intrafollicular environment is also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Ana Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Fondazione Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Edgardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Somigliana
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Fondazione Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vercellini
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pagliardini
authors.affiliation: Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Candiani
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy. Electronic address: vigano.paola@hsr.it.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vigano
mesh_terms: D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D001141:Aromatase / Q000378:metabolism; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000378:metabolism; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D055429:Growth Differentiation Factor 9 / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D004967:Estrogens; C525897:GDF9 protein, human; D006062:Gonadotropins; D055429:Growth Differentiation Factor 9; D013256:Steroids; D011374:Progesterone; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone; D001141:Aromatase; C561410:CYP19A1 protein, human
keywords: Apoptosis; Aromatase; Endometriosis; Granulosa cells; WNT