The Impact of Endometriosis across the Lifespan of Women: Foreseeable Research and Therapeutic Prospects

Abstract

In addition to estrogen dependence, endometriosis is characterized by chronic pelvic inflammation. The impact of the chronic pelvic inflammatory state on other organ systems and women's health is unclear. Endometriosis associated chronic inflammation and potential adverse health effects across the lifespan render it imperative for renewed research vigor into the identification of novel biomarkers of disease and therapeutic options. Herein we propose a number of opportunities for research and development of new therapeutics to address the unmet needs in the treatment of endometriosis per se and its ancillary risks for other diseases in women across the lifespan.

Impact of Endometriosis in Women’s Life

“…There are definitely ample opportunities to pursue research regarding the impact of endometriosis in all its appearances as superficial, ovarian, deep infiltrating or distant endometriotic lesions across the lifespan of a female It is necessary to follow the development of a number of therapeutical strategies that could plausibly be expected to be both safe and beneficial for women suffering with this systemic disease. This is not an argument for taking our eye off the fact to find endometriosis as the primary disease, but rather we owe it to each of our patients to consider all of the impacts at all times in life that this disease may incur (2). Neither the treatment of endometriomas nor the diagnosis and treatment of this chronic systemic disease has as yet found its specific diagnosis and treatment.…”

Uncovering Potential Roles of Differentially Expressed Genes, Upstream Regulators, and Canonical Pathways in Endometriosis Using an In Silico Genomics Approach

“…The identification of a sufficiently specific and sensitive marker for the non-surgical detection of endometriosis would promise early diagnosis and prevention of detrimental effects, underscoring the need for comprehensive research. The most extensively studied potential biomarker for endometriosis is cancer antigen 125, but its use as a sole diagnostic marker is impractical due to its low sensitivity [9].…”

Periostin Facilitates the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Endometrial Epithelial Cells through ILK-Akt Signaling Pathway

“…Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial and stromal cells at extrauterine locations, is a persistent gynecological problem which can result in dysmenorrhea, infertility, and decreased quality of life [ 1 ]. It affects about 10% of women of reproductive age [ 2 ].…”