Role of cytokines in endometriosis

Harada T, Tasuku Harada, T Harada, T Iwabe, Tomio Iwabe, Iwabe T, N Terakawa, Terakawa N, Naoki Terakawa
Fertility and Sterility · 2001 · vol. 76(1) , pp. 1–10 · doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(01)01816-7 · PMID:11438312 · W2049657573
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

This paper investigated the role of various cytokines in the development and progression of endometriosis, exploring their mechanisms and potential as therapeutic targets.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo review the literature on the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and endometriosis-associated infertility.DesignPertinent studies were identified by a computer search of MEDLINE. References of selected articles were hand-searched for additional citations.Result(s)Recent studies suggest that the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis contains an increased number of activated macrophages that secrete various local products, such as growth factors and cytokines. Levels of several cytokines were reported to be elevated in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. Because the peritoneal environment may be controlled by locally regulated factors, cytokines are believed to play a role in the development and progression of endometriosis and endometriosis-associated infertility. A possible pathogenic mechanism links cytokines with endometriosis.Conclusion(s)Cytokines, which are produced by many cell types including endometriotic tissues, play diverse roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and endometriosis-associated infertility. More studies about the specific role of these cells and soluble factors are needed to improve understanding of endometriosis and to develop novel therapies.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Cytokines Endometriosis Ascitic Fluid Ascitic Fluid Cytokines Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans Infertility, Female Infertility, Female

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

References (100)

Cited by (50)

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