Immunology and Endometriosis

Murat Berkkanoglu; Murat Berkkanoğlu; Aydin Arici; Aydın Arıcı

doi:10.1034/j.1600-0897.2003.00042.x

Immunology and Endometriosis

Murat Berkkanoglu, Murat Berkkanoğlu, Aydin Arici, Aydın Arıcı

American journal of reproductive immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989) · 2003 · vol. 50(1) , pp. 48–59 · doi:10.1034/j.1600-0897.2003.00042.x · PMID:14506928 · W2052759720

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This review details how immune alterations, including macrophage activation and reduced natural killer cell function, contribute to endometriosis development and implantation.

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Abstract

PROBLEM: Accumulating data suggests that aberrant immune responses during retrograde menstruation may be involved in the development of endometriosis. METHOD OF STUDY: The role of immunology in the etiology of endometriosis is reviewed and summarized from the available literature. RESULTS: Immunologic factors may affect a woman's susceptibility to implantation of exfoliated endometrial cells. Immune alterations include increased number and activation of peritoneal macrophages, decreased T cell reactivity and natural killer cell cytotoxicity, increased circulating antibodies, and changes in the cytokine network. CONCLUSION: There is substantial evidence that immunologic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and endometriosis-associated infertility. Decreased natural killer cell cytotoxicity leads to an increased likelihood of implantation of endometriotic tissue. In addition, macrophages and a complex network of locally produced cytokines modulate the growth and inflammatory behavior of ectopic endometrial implants.

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Condition tags

mesh:D004715endometriosisinfertility

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Menstruation Disturbances Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans Menstruation Disturbances Menstruation Disturbances Models, Immunological

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References (100)

Cited by (50)

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