Epigenetics and Environmental Factors in Endometriosis and Female Infertility: A Meta-Analysis

Varsha Ojha
2025 · doi:10.5281/zenodo.15798203 · W6930761312
Systematic review / meta-analysis OA: green CC0
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This meta-analysis investigates the interplay between epigenetic modifications and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and associated female infertility. The authors review evidence showing that eutopic endometrium in affected patients exhibits aberrant gene expression, impaired DNA methylation patterns, and significant differences in histone acetylation and methylation during the implantation window. While the study highlights potential therapeutic targets such as TET proteins and specific genes responsible for these expression anomalies, it notes that the exact pathomechanisms of implantation failure remain unclear and the role of newly discovered proteins is not yet fully understood. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — specifically examining how epigenetic alterations and environmental influences contribute to disease mechanisms and infertility.

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Abstract

Abstract Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder linked to infertility, characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue. Epigenetic modifications and environmental factors play a crucial role in its pathogenesis and impact on female fertility. This meta-analysis focuses on epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, alongside environmental influences like endocrine-disrupting chemicals, lifestyle, and diet. Understanding these interactions may provide new insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Eutopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis is characterized by aberrant expression of essential genes during the implantation window, leading to disturbance of endometrial receptivity. The pathomechanism of implantation failures in women with endometriosis remains unclear. The study establishes impaired DNA methylation patterns in eutopic tissue and reveals significant differences in histone acetylation and methylation in endometrium. The role of newly discovered proteins, TET proteins, in endometrial pathology is not yet fully understood. Medication targeting critical genes responsible for the aberrant gene expression pattern in eutopic endometrium may help treat infertility in women with endometriosis. Keywords: Endometriosis, Female Infertility, Epigenetics, DNA Methylation, Environmental Factors, Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, MicroRNAs, Histone Modifications, Epigenetic Therapy, Lifestyle Interventions, Epigenetic Diagnosis.
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Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder linked to infertility, characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue. Epigenetic modifications and environmental factors play a crucial role in its pathogenesis and impact on female fertility. This meta-analysis focuses on epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, alongside environmental influences like endocrine-disrupting chemicals, lifestyle, and diet. Understanding these interactions may provide new insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Eutopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis is characterized by aberrant expression of essential genes during the implantation window, leading to disturbance of endometrial receptivity. The pathomechanism of implantation failures in women with endometriosis remains unclear. The study establishes impaired DNA methylation patterns in eutopic tissue and reveals significant differences in histone acetylation and methylation in endometrium. The role of newly discovered proteins, TET proteins, in endometrial pathology is not yet fully understood. Medication targeting critical genes responsible for the aberrant gene expression pattern in eutopic endometrium may help treat infertility in women with endometriosis.

Keywords

Endometriosis, Female Infertility, Epigenetics, DNA Methylation, Environmental Factors, Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, MicroRNAs, Histone Modifications, Epigenetic Therapy, Lifestyle Interventions, Epigenetic Diagnosis. Files MARCR 542.pdf Files (240.7 kB) | Name | Size | Download all | |---|---|---| | md5:e887d34f2a64c331cfad6fdc2100df4e | 240.7 kB | Preview Download |

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