This review focuses on pathogenesis of endometriosis, its possible biomarkers and role in endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. We analyzed various databases to obtain new insights, theories, and biomarkers associated with endometriosis. There are several theories of endometriosis development and biomarker changes including atypical forms. A number of studies have attempted to establish specific, reliable biomarkers to help diagnose endometriosis and endometriosis-associated diseases on the basis of different pathogenetic pathways. Nevertheless, despite intensive research extending even to the molecular level, the origin, natural history, malignant transformation, and laboratory management of endometriosis and related diseases are not yet clearly defined. Therefore, early laboratory diagnoses of endometriosis, its atypical form, and Digital Features To view digital features for this article go to

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Objective: The molecular mechanisms of bladder cancer development and progression are not clear. Bladder cancer is an important focus for epidemiological studies and understanding clinical implications. Goal: The primary aim of prevention is achieved by limiting exposure to non-genetic risk factors such as smoking, diet, arsenic in drinking water, or aromatic amines at work or elsewhere. Current therapies for bladder cancer are affected by tumor morphology and associated acquired genetic mutations. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, Google, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases to find studies of bladder cancer published between 1984 and early 2020. The focus was articles that address epidemiological risk factors and underlying pathophysiological mechanism. Articles were selected that enabled our review of these factors as well as molecular and structural patterns. Results: There are multiple views of bladder cancer. The literature offers a number of novel insights regarding the development and progression of bladder cancer and possible biomarkers that may be useful in clinical and diagnostic practice. Conclusion: There are several molecular pathways associated with bladder cancer that are frequently updated. In addition, genetic subtypes of bladder tumors are not distinguished clearly that requires future more detailed analysis.

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The mechanisms of ovarian endometrioid cyst formation, or cystic ovarian endometriosis, still remain to be elucidated. To address this issue, we analyzed the involvement of mast cell (MC) tryptase and carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3) in the development of endometriomas. It was found that the formation of endometrioid cysts was accompanied by an increased MC population in the ovarian medulla, as well as by an MC appearance in the cortical substance. The formation of MC subpopulations was associated with endometrioma wall structures. An active, targeted secretion of tryptase and CPA3 to the epithelium of endometrioid cysts, immunocompetent cells, and the cells of the cytogenic ovarian stroma was detected. The identification of specific proteases in the cell nuclei of the ovarian local tissue microenvironment suggests new mechanisms for the regulatory effects of MCs. The cytoplasmic outgrowths of MCs propagate in the structures of the stroma over a considerable distance; they offer new potentials for MC effects on the structures of the ovarian-specific tissue microenvironment under pathological conditions. Our findings indicate the potential roles of MC tryptase and CPA3 in the development of ovarian endometriomas and infer new perspectives on their uses as pharmacological targets in personalized medicine.

Back pain (BP) due to degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a severe, often disabling condition. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the expression level of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17), angiogenesis markers (VEGF-A and CD31) in intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue and IVD degeneration in young people with discogenic BP. In patients who underwent discectomy for a disc herniation, a clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of these factors in IVD were performed in comparison with the parameters of healthy group samples (controls). Histology image analysis of IVD fragments of the DDD group detected zones of inflammatory infiltration, combined with vascularization, the presence of granulation tissue and clusters of chondrocytes in the tissue of nucleus pulposus (NP). Statistically significant increased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, VEGF-A and CD31 was evident in the samples of the DDD group compared with the controls, that showed a strong correlation with the histological disc degeneration stage. Our results denote an immunoinflammatory potential of chondrocytes and demonstrates their altered morphogenetic properties, also NP cells may trigger the angiogenesis.

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