The role of lipid mediators in the aetiology of endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most common, chronic gynaecological disorders characterised by the histological presence of endometrial-like tissues outside the uterus. The most frequent location of ectopic endometrial lesions is the pelvic cavity causing chronic inflammation, fertility problems and a wide range of pain symptoms. Despite extensive research efforts, reliable diagnostic biomarkers still do not exist and the aetiology and underlying pathophysiology of the disease have not yet been completely elucidated. Eicosanoids and related hydroxy fatty acids are a rich class of biologically active oxygenated metabolites derived from omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These lipid mediators are produced locally in cells through biosynthetic pathways of cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme pathways as well as in a non-enzymatic manner and regulate an array of physiological and pathological processes. Biological fluid specimens, such as plasma and peritoneal fluid, are a rich source of oxygenated lipid metabolites. So far, only a limited number of lipid mediators have been studied in endometriosis. The main aim of this study was to simultaneously measure ... (continues)