Abstract: The aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis remain obscure. Endometriosis is a commom gynecological disease, but it has some malignant behavors, such as hyperplasia, invasion, metastasis and recurrence. It is still a difficult problem for the preventation and treatment of endometriosis. Apoptosis is a distinctive form of programmed cell death, it plays a critical role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and represents a normal function to eliminate excess or dysfunctional cells. Accumulated evidence suggests that abnormal apoptosis can promote the occurrence and development of endometriosis. This study is a current review of the literature focused on the apoptosis pathways, expression of apoptosis in normal endometrium and the alterations in regulation of apoptosis in eutopic and ectopic endometrium from women with endometriosis. The role of apoptosis in the treatment of endometriosis is reviewed to link the basic research findings with clinical applications.

Key words: Endometriosis, Eutopic endometrium, Ectopic endometrium, Apoptosis, Apoptosis pathway