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Immunology and Endometriosis
Author(s) -
Berkkanoglu Murat,
Arici Aydin
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0897.2003.00042.x
Subject(s) - endometriosis , immunology , immune system , natural killer cell , infertility , cytokine , pathogenesis , medicine , biology , cytotoxicity , pregnancy , in vitro , biochemistry , genetics
Problem: Accumulating data suggests that aberrant immune responses during retrograde menstruation may be involved in the development of endometriosis. Method of Study: The role of immunology in the etiology of endometriosis is reviewed and summarized from the available literature. Results: Immunologic factors may affect a woman's susceptibility to implantation of exfoliated endometrial cells. Immune alterations include increased number and activation of peritoneal macrophages, decreased T cell reactivity and natural killer cell cytotoxicity, increased circulating antibodies, and changes in the cytokine network. Conclusion: There is substantial evidence that immunologic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and endometriosis‐associated infertility. Decreased natural killer cell cytotoxicity leads to an increased likelihood of implantation of endometriotic tissue. In addition, macrophages and a complex network of locally produced cytokines modulate the growth and inflammatory behavior of ectopic endometrial implants.