Research Advances of Endometriosis Relative Genes

Endometriosis is a chronic recurrent and progressive disease characterized by the presence of functional endometrial glandular epithelium and stroma outside the uterine cavity that affects up to 15% of women of child-bearing age. It can cause dyspareunia, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Although the etiology of endometriosis is unknown, several hypotheses have been proposed to explain its origin. Recently,genetic factors are thought to contribute to the development of this disease, and polygene/multiple factor theory has been accepted generally. This article presents an overview of research advancement of genes related to endometriosis, including gene polymorphism and abnormal expression of gene product. We try to explain the developmental mechanism of endometriosis from the angle of molecular genetics. Key words: Endometriosis;  Genetics;  Gene