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Mechanistic and Therapeutic Implications of Angiogenesis in Endometriosis

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Abstract

Like tumor metastases, endometriotic implants require neovascularization to proliferate and invade into ectopic sites within the host. Endometrial tissue, with its robust stem cell populations and remarkable regenerative capabilities, is a rich source of proangiogenic factors. Among the most potent and extensively studied of these proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor has emerged as a critical vasculogenic regulator in endometriosis. Accordingly, angiogenesis of the nascent endometriotic lesion has become an attractive target for novel medical therapeutics and strategies to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor action. Vascular endothelial growth factor gene regulation in endometrial and endometriosis cells by nuclear receptors, other transcription factors, and also by infiltrating immune cells is emphasized. New data showing that oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress increase vascular endothelial growth factor expression are provided. Finally, we review the clinical implications of angiogenesis in this condition and propose potential antiangiogenic therapies that may become useful in the control or eradication of endometriotic lesions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Human Uterine Biology Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Woodruff Memorial Building 4217, 30322, Atlanta, Georgia

    Robert N. Taylor MD, PhD, Jie Yu MD, MSc, Paulo B. Torres MD, Aimee C. Schickedanz MD, John K. Park MD, MSc, Michael D. Mueller MD & Neil Sidell PhD

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  1. Robert N. Taylor MD, PhD
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  2. Jie Yu MD, MSc
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  3. Paulo B. Torres MD
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Correspondence to Robert N. Taylor MD, PhD.

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Taylor, R.N., Yu, J., Torres, P.B. et al. Mechanistic and Therapeutic Implications of Angiogenesis in Endometriosis. Reprod. Sci. 16, 140–146 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719108324893

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