Stem cell theory: A new horizon for the treatment of endometriosis by targeting mesenchymal stem cell

Stem cell theory: A new horizon for the treatment of endometriosis by targeting mesenchymal stem cell Wanhui You Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorSiyu Wang Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorChan Li Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorYuting Ma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorFangyuan Liu Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorYing Shen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorYingdong Wang Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China Search for more papers by this authorFang Wan International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author Fengjuan Han Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Correspondence Fengjuan Han, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 26, Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. Email: [email protected] Search for more papers by this authorWanhui You Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorSiyu Wang Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorChan Li Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorYuting Ma Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorFangyuan Liu Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorYing Shen Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Search for more papers by this authorYingdong Wang Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China Search for more papers by this authorFang Wan International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author Fengjuan Han Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Correspondence Fengjuan Han, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 26, Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. Email: [email protected] Search for more papers by this authorAbstract Endometriosis is a prevalent chronic gynecological disease that poses significant challenges for treatment due to its extensive lesions, diverse morphology, unknown etiology, and tendency for recurrence. In the early 21st century, the stem cell theory of endometriosis pathogenesis has offered new insights into its diagnosis and treatment. The stem cell theory posits that the terminal cells in the ectopic lesions are unable to sustain the long-term development of the lesions. Instead, endometrial stem cells (SCs) and SCs from outside the uterus are believed to participate in the formation and development of endometriosis. Notably, mesenchymal SCs (MSCs), which are multipotent SCs derived from the mesoderm, may contribute to the progression and potential malignant transformation of endometriosis through specific mechanisms. Therefore, this paper outlines the pathogenesis of endometriosis and the discovery of the stem cell theory. Additionally, it summarizes recent advancements in understanding the role of MSCs from various sources in endometriosis pathogenesis and proposes intervention strategies targeting MSCs for the treatment of endometriosis. CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT The authors declare no competing interests. DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study. REFERENCES - 1Agarwal N, Subramanian A. Endometriosis – morphology, clinical presentations and molecular pathology. J Lab Physicians. 2010; 2: 1-9. - 2Saunders PTK, Horne AW. Endometriosis: etiology, pathobiology, and therapeutic prospects. Cell. 2021; 184: 2807-2824. - 3Giudice LC, Kao LC. Endometriosis. Lancet. 2004; 364: 1789-1799. - 4Guidozzi F. Endometriosis-associated cancer. Climacteric. 2021; 24: 587-592. - 5Liu X, Long Q, Guo SW. 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