Research progress of the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of endometriosis

Endometriosis (EMS) is a common gynecological benign disease that causes chronic pelvic pain and infertility in women, but many of its behaviors are malignant such as cell infiltration, hyperplasia and recurrence. Some studies have pointed out that in the peritoneal cavity of patients with EMS, there is an increase in the number of macrophages and changes in the type of activation, accompanied by changes in pro-inflammatory factors, growth factors, and angiogenesis. As the study progresses, aberrant immune responses in the peritoneum appear to be crucial for disease progression. Summarizing recent advances in macrophage may elucidate its role in the pathogenesis of EMS and contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies. Key words: Endometriosis; Macrophages; Inflammatory mediators; Fibrosis; Epithelial-mesenchymal transition