Salivary miRNAs in the diagnosis of endometriosis An invited narrative scientific literature review, commissioned by European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG)

Ioannis E. Messinis, Messinis IE, Messini C, Christina Messini, George Anifandis, Anifandis G, Sofia Tsiapakidou, Tarlatzis B, Basil Tarlatzis, Tahir Mahmood, Mahmood T
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology · 2026 · vol. 324 , pp. 115261 · doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2026.115261 · PMID:42372649 · W7165945027
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This review synthesizes current research on salivary microRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers for endometriosis diagnosis.

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Abstract

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition, the diagnosis of which has been made for many years through invasive procedures, such as laparoscopy. In recent years, non-invasive methods have been proposed, in which the expression of various miRNAs is analyzed in serum or plasma, but none of these methods has been established as routine in daily practice. Recently, miRNA expression has been examined in saliva, which is a simple means of obtaining an unlimited number of samples, the collection of which does not cause inconvenience to the patient. From the relatively small number of studies that have been published so far, a miRNA signature has emerged, which, although validated in the country of production, has not been tested in other countries. In addition, the number of published studies examining individual miRNAs is very small. It should be noted that all published studies have a small sample size, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions. Furthermore, there are limited data on mapping miRNAs across various biological fluids against the molecular structure of endometriosis lesions. Therefore, it remains to be determined whether the findings represent endometriosis per se or reflect the body's general inflammatory or immune response to the disease. This EBCOG invited narrative review analyses existing literature data and their potential clinical applications and raises issues that require further research.

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MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis

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 (45)

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