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Aromatase and endometriosis: estrogens play a role
Author(s) -
Ferrero Simone,
Remorgida Valentino,
Maganza Carlo,
Venturini Pier Luigi,
Salvatore Stefano,
Papaleo Enrico,
Candiani Massimo,
Leone Roberti Maggiore Umberto
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.12411
Subject(s) - endometriosis , aromatase , estrogen , medicine , endocrinology , endometrium , stroma , immunohistochemistry , breast cancer , cancer
Endometriosis is an estrogen‐dependent inflammatory disease defined by the growth of endometrial stroma and glands outside of the uterus. Epidemiological and clinical studies show that estrogen is essential for the growth of endometriosis. There are several molecular links between estrogen production and inflammation in endometriosis. The enzyme aromatase P450 is expressed aberrantly in endometriosis and is stimulated by prostaglandin E 2 , resulting in production of estrogen that induces prostaglandin E 2 expression within endometriotic lesions. Furthermore, estrogen promotes the secretion of several inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, which contribute to the progression of endometriosis and stimulate estrogen production. On the basis of the local estrogen biosynthesis in endometriotic implants, nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors have been successfully used to treat pain symptoms caused by endometriosis. These agents do not cause the disappearance of endometriosis; they cannot be considered routine treatment and should only be administered in adequately controlled clinical studies.