Abstract:

Endometriosis (EMs) is a common and frequent disease in women of reproductive age. The main clinical manifestations are dysmenorrhea and infertility, and there is a high recurrence rate and a potential risk of malignant transformation. EMs is an estrogen-dependent disease, with progesterone-resistant properties. The local synthesis of estrogen and progesterone in the ectopic lesions and the interactions with the receptors play an essential role in the development and progression of EMs. The local high estrogen environment favors the proliferation, migration, adhesion and invasion of ectopic endometrial cells, promoting the development of EMs and even malignancy. Progesterone resistance can affect endometrium tolerance and is closely associated with endometriosis-associated infertility. Recent studies have identified DNA methylation plays an important regulatory process in the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone and the expression of their receptors in eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions of EMs. Understanding the role of gene methylation related to estrogen and progesterone and their receptors in the development of EMs, endometriosis-associated infertility and endometriosis-associated malignancy can provide a basis for diagnosis and drug-targeted therapy studies for EMs.

Key words: Endometriosis, DNA methylation, Estrogens, Progestins, Receptors, estrogen, Receptors, progesterone