Toll-like Receptors and Endometrium and Endometriosis

Endometriosis′s pathogenesis remains elusive. A number of papers have already demonstrated that the occurrence of endometriosis is closely related to the aberrant of the immunologic response system of organism. The deregulation of immune response in endometriosis is characterised by increased number of activated macrophages and their secreted products, such as growth factors, cytokines, and angiogenic factors. Toll-like receptors(TLRs)recognize specific pathogen associated molecular patterns and serve an essential role in the innate immune system by initiating and directing immune response to microbial pathogens. Recent studies have shown the physiological role of TLRs in the normal endometrium and the relationship between TLRs and endometriosis. Further studies may provide more insight into the diagnosis, treatment and prognostic indicator of endometriosis.