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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Contribution of intracrine oestrogens to the aetiology of endometriosis

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Author(s):
Piccinato, Carla A. [1] ; Malvezzi, Helena [1] ; Gibson, Douglas A. [2] ; Saunders, Philippa T. K. [2]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Hosp Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Edinburgh, MRC Ctr Inflammat Res, Edinburgh, Midlothian - Scotland
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY; v. 61, n. 2, p. T253-T270, AUG 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Endometriosis is an incurable hormone-dependent inflammatory disease that causes chronic pelvic pain and infertility characterized by implantation and growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Symptoms have a major impact on the quality of life of patients resulting in socioeconomic, physical and psychological burdens. Although the immune system and environmental factors may play a role in the aetiology of endometriosis, oestrogen dependency is still considered a hallmark of the disorder. The impact of oestrogens such as oestrone and particularly, oestradiol, on the endometrium or endometriotic lesions may be mediated by steroids originating from ovarian steroidogenesis or local intra-tissue production (intracrinology) dependent upon the expression and activity of enzymes that regulate oestrogen biosynthesis and metabolism. Two key pathways have been implicated: while there is contradictory data on the participation of the aromatase enzyme (encoded by CYP19A1), there is increasing evidence that the steroid sulphatase pathway plays a role in both the aetiology and pathology of endometriosis. In this review, we consider the evidence related to the pathways leading to oestrogen accumulation in endometriotic lesions and how this might inform the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat endometriosis without causing the undesirable side effects of current regimes that suppress ovarian hormone production. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/02412-6 - Study of estrogen metabolism in peritoneal lesions of women with endometriosis
Grantee:Carla de Azevedo Piccinato Camargo
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral