Lipoxins and Endometriosis

Endometriosis(EMs) has been well known as an inflammatory and estrogen-dependent disease. However,its aetiology and pathogenesis are still ambiguous. Lipoxins, one of the endogenous metabolites of arachidonic acid,present in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium. Lipoxins actively promote resolution by restricting the polymorphonuclear(PMN) accumulation at the sites of inflammation,and enhancing macrophage phagocytosis. It can also bind with estrogen receptor(ER),and then modulate the expression of estrogen-related genes. Lipoxins can simultaneously modulate inflammation and estrogen signaling,and significantly inhibit the development of endometriosis. This article reviewed the biological function of lipoxins and its research progress, especially its role in the pathophysiology of EMs.