Abstract: Endometriosis(EMs) is a common gynecologic disorder with an estimated incidence of 10%-15% among women of reproductive age. While in itself a benign lesion, EMs shares several characteristics with invasive cancer and has been shown to undergo malignant transformation. It has been associated with an increased risk of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Recent research focused on pelvic microenvironment found that iron overload plays an important role in the initiation and development of EMs. Higher levels of iron, which is probably released after lysis of erythrocytes or retrograde menstruation, has been found in the peritoneal fluid of patients with EMs. Free iron, which is a strong prooxidant, not only disturbs the balance of redox reaction causing oxidative stress damage, but also verwhelms peritoneal protection of macrophage. Iron overload is also implicated in activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, giving rise to the production of numerous inflammatory factors. Moreover, iron metabolism may interact with and modulate estrogen, involved in the malignant transition of EMs. Here we summarizes the most recent studies concerning with iron overload and its relation with the initiation and development of EMs.

Key words: Iron overload, Endometriosis, Inflammation, Oxidative stress