reviewInternational Journal of Molecular SciencesMar 10, 2025GOLD OA

The Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Endometriosis: From Basic Pathophysiology to Clinical Implications

HMHeidi MariadasJCJie-Hong ChenKCKuo-Hu Chen

Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital · Mackay Medical University · +1 more institution

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

Endometriosis is a complex gynecological disorder characterized by endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus, leading to chronic pain, infertility, and reduced quality of life. Its pathophysiology involves genetic, epigenetic, immune, and molecular factors. Theories such as retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, and stem cell involvement explain lesion formation. Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) and epithelial progenitors (eEPs) contribute to lesion establishment by adhering to peritoneal surfaces, proliferating, and differentiating into ectopic tissue. Aberrant adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and molecular pathways like PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin drive proliferation,…

Citation impact

50
total citations
FWCI
64.05
Percentile
100%
References
110
Citations per year

Authors

3

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Endometriosis
  • Cancer research
  • Inflammation
  • Immune system
  • Wnt signaling pathway
  • Angiogenesis
  • Pelvic pain
  • Biology
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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