Progress in research on epigenetics of endometriosis-associated infertility

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease that affects women of childbearing age,and infertility is one of its major manifestations.The mechanism of endometriosis-associated infertility is still unclear.The latest study suggested that endometriosis may be an epigenetic disease.Abnormal DNA methylation and dysfunctional imprinting are major forms of epigenetic abnormality.Abnormal methylation,which presents in endometriosis,may be related to the endometriosis-associated infertility.Imprinted genes are particularly important for fetal and placental developments.Endometriosis related dysfunctional imprinting might influence embryonic implantation and development.In this review,we summarized progress in research on relationship of DNA methylation and gene imprinting with endometriosis-associated infertility,so as to provide a theoretical basis for searching for a new treatment for endometriosis-associated infertility.