Pathogenesis: Epigenetics

Sun‐Wei Guo
In: Endometriosis · 2011 · pp. 65–78 · doi:10.1002/9781444398519.ch7 · W2914974148
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Abstract

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder with an enigmatic ethiopathogenesis. In the last 5 years, growing evidence has suggested that endometriosis may be an epigenetic disease. In this chapter, evidence in support of this hypothesis is compiled and presented, and its diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic implications are also discussed. Epigenetics is a common denominator for hormonal and immunological aberrations in endometriosis. Research published so far demonstrates that various epigenetic aberrations, including aberrant methylation and microRNA deregulation, exist in endometriosis. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies as well as a few clinical studies show that histone deacetylase inhibitors may be a promising therapy for treating endometriosis and/or adenomyosis. The evidence suggests that epigenetics plays a definite role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis. As such, endometriosis is possibly treatable by rectifying epigenetic aberrations through pharmacological means. DNA methylation markers may also be useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. It is also possible that the identification, characterization, and delineation of all epigenetic changes involved in endometriosis should provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of endometriosis and hold the promise of developing novel therapeutics for treating endometriosis.

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endometriosisadenomyosis

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