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Molecular and Cellular Advances in Endometriosis Research: 3rd Edition

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2024 | Viewed by 6651

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Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Paolo Giaccone” Hospital, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Interests: endometriosis; infertility; minimally invasive surgery; assisted reproduction technology; gynecological endocrinology; reproductive immunology; laparoscopy; hysteroscopy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like cells, glands, and stroma outside the uterus, causing a strong inflammatory-like microenvironment in the affected tissue. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is unknown, but estimates range from 2–10% of women of reproductive age to 50% of infertile women. The etiopathogenesis of endometriosis remains controversial—immune, hormonal, genetic, and epigenetic factors may all be involved, and several theories have been proposed to explain it.

This Special Issue aims to publish groundbreaking research and review articles in basic and translational science (immunology, cell biology, genetics, and epigenetics) that may create new scenarios and change our perspective on this topic.

Dr. Antonio Simone Laganà
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2098 KiB  
Article
Expression of Reversion-Inducing Cysteine-Rich Protein with Kazal Motifs (RECK) Gene and Its Regulation by miR200b in Ovarian Endometriosis
by Agata Gozdz, Radosław B. Maksym, Aneta Ścieżyńska, Martin Götte, Claudine Kieda, Paweł K. Włodarski and Jacek Malejczyk
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111594 - 29 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Endometriosis is a common chronic disorder characterized by the growth of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. The disease is associated with chronic inflammation and pelvic pain and may have an impact on the patient’s fertility. The causative factors and pathophysiology of the [...] Read more.
Endometriosis is a common chronic disorder characterized by the growth of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. The disease is associated with chronic inflammation and pelvic pain and may have an impact on the patient’s fertility. The causative factors and pathophysiology of the disease are still poorly recognized. The dysregulation of the immune system, aberrant tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis contribute to the disease progression. In endometriosis patients, the proteins regulating the breakdown and reorganization of the connective tissue, e.g., collagenases, and other proteases, as well as their inhibitors, show an incorrect pattern of expression. Here, we report that the expression of reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK), one of the inhibitors of connective tissue proteases, is elevated in endometrioma cysts as compared to normal endometrium from unaffected women. We also demonstrate a reduced level of miR200b in endometriotic tissue that correlates with RECK mRNA levels. Furthermore, we employ the 12Z cell line, derived from a peritoneal endometriotic lesion, and the Ishikawa cell line, originating from endometrial adenocarcinoma to identify RECK as a direct target of miR200b. The described effect of miR200b on RECK, together with the aberrant expression of both genes in endometrioma, may help to understand the role played by the tissue remodeling system in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 1063 KiB  
Review
An Estrogen–NK Cells Regulatory Axis in Endometriosis, Related Infertility, and Miscarriage
by Shaoliang Yang, Haiyan Wang, Dajin Li and Mingqing Li
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(6), 3362; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063362 - 16 Mar 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2047
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common estrogen-dependent condition that impacts 8–10% of women in their reproductive age, resulting in notable pain, morbidity, and infertility. Despite extensive research endeavors, the precise cause of endometriosis remains elusive, and the mechanisms contributing to its associated infertility are still [...] Read more.
Endometriosis is a common estrogen-dependent condition that impacts 8–10% of women in their reproductive age, resulting in notable pain, morbidity, and infertility. Despite extensive research endeavors, the precise cause of endometriosis remains elusive, and the mechanisms contributing to its associated infertility are still not well comprehended. Natural killer (NK) cells, vital innate immune cells crucial for successful pregnancy, have been investigated for their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Prior research has mainly concentrated on the diminished cytotoxicity of NK cells in endometrial fragments that evade the uterus. Interestingly, accumulating evidence suggests that NK cells play multifaceted roles in regulating the biology of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), promoting local immune tolerance, influencing endometrial receptivity, oocyte development, and embryo implantation, thereby contributing to infertility and miscarriage in patients with endometriosis. In this comprehensive review, our goal is to summarize the current literature and provide an overview of the implications of NK cells in endometriosis, especially concerning infertility and pregnancy loss, under the influence of estrogen. Full article
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26 pages, 1642 KiB  
Review
Diminished Ovarian Reserve in Endometriosis: Insights from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Human Studies—A Systematic Review
by Zhouyurong Tan, Xue Gong, Chi Chiu Wang, Tao Zhang and Jin Huang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15967; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115967 - 4 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3484
Abstract
Endometriosis, a prevalent disorder in women of reproductive age, is often associated with undesired infertility. Ovarian reserve, an essential measure of ovarian function that is crucial for maintaining fecundity, is frequently diminished in women with endometriosis. Though the causative relationship between endometriosis and [...] Read more.
Endometriosis, a prevalent disorder in women of reproductive age, is often associated with undesired infertility. Ovarian reserve, an essential measure of ovarian function that is crucial for maintaining fecundity, is frequently diminished in women with endometriosis. Though the causative relationship between endometriosis and reduced ovarian reserve is not fully understood due to the lack of standardized and precise measurements of ovarian reserve, there is ongoing discussion regarding the impact of interventions for endometriosis on ovarian reserve. Therefore, in this review, we investigate articles that have related keywords and which were also published in recent years. Thereafter, we provide a comprehensive summary of evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies, thereby shedding light on the decreased ovarian reserve in endometriosis. This research consolidates evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human studies on the diminished ovarian reserve associated with endometriosis, as well as enhances our understanding of whether and how endometriosis, as well as its interventions, contribute to reductions in ovarian reserve. Furthermore, we explore potential strategies to modify existing therapy options that could help prevent diminished ovarian reserve in patients with endometriosis. Full article
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