Increased activation of pelvic macrophages in infertile women with mild endometriosis

Tubal transport of gametes and embryos: a review of physiology and pathophysiology

“…Numerous studies in the past several years have shown that the biochemical signature of peritoneal fluid in patients with endometriosis is more pro-inflammatory compared to healthy women [78]. In women affected with endometriosis, activated macrophages in the peritoneal cavity are more abundant compared to their healthy counterparts [79][80][81]. Peritoneal fluid of women with this condition imposes a significant inhibitory effect on ciliary beat frequency [82].…”

Identification of an Invasive, N-Cadherin-Expressing Epithelial Cell Type in Endometriosis Using a New Cell Culture Model

“…In the peritoneal fluid in particular, the number of activated macrophages increases 4 and the chemotactic activity of immune system cells is higher compared to controls. [5][6][7][8] The levels of cytokines, 9 -14 growth factors, [15][16][17] and prostaglandins 18 -20 are elevated whereas angiogenic activity in vivo is increased in patients with endometriosis in comparison to females without the disease.…”

Stress, inflammation and endometriosis: are patients stuck between a rock and a hard place?

“…The disease depends on a complex interaction of immunologic, genetic, hormonal and environmental factors often leading to pelvic pain with dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia and dyschezia [2,3]. In the peritoneal cavity of affected women, chemoattraction of macrophages accompanied by immune cell infiltration could be detected [4].…”