Neurotrophic events in peritoneal endometriotic lesions

Introduction: The development of endometriosis (EM) associated pain seems to be strongly influenced by the incidence of nerve fibers (NF) in close contact to the endometriotic lesions. NF as well as neurotrophins (NT) are found closely to peritoneal endometriotic lesions (pEL). In addition, a strong NGF expression could be achieved in the peritoneal fluid (PF) of patients with EM. EM-associated neuromodulatory effects seem to be due to a complex interaction by several factors. The pain pathomechanisms of EM are not well understood; therefore, a further characterisation of neurotrophic properties of EM is urgently needed.