抄録
The pathogenesis of endometriosis, a gynecologic disorder associated with infertility, appears to involve immune responses. However, the details involved have not been clarified and treatment options are limited. Sugamata M. et al. found proliferation of stromal cells and infiltration of mast cells, consistent with human endometriosis, in peritoneal tissues adjacent to autotransplanted endometrium (endometriosis model). Subsequent studies using the endometriosis model have provided novel insight into the pathology of endometriosis. First, expression of cytokines and chemokines consistent with endometriosis in humans was found. This observation provided a focus on the contribution of immunoinflammatory response to development of endometriosis. Second, microarray analysis showed that an increase in expression of genes associated with cell adhesion and extracellular matrix precede formation of pathology of the endometriotic lesion and upregulation of expression of cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, it has been shown that the endometriosis model can be applicable to in vivo toxicity and preclinical testing. The pathology of endometriosis model was enhanced by exposure to diesel exhaust, a major air pollutant, and was inhibited by oral administration of drugs, including leukotriene receptor antagonist. Information provided by the endometriosis model will contribute to establishment of the methods for prevention and treatment of endometriosis. Further investigation using this invaluable tool could potentially help to protect many women against the effects of this currently incurable disease.
