Apoptosis and endometriosis
Fuminori Taniguchi1, Apostolos Kaponis, Masao Izawa
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Japan. tani4327@med.tottori-u.ac.jp
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition)
|January 4, 2011
Summary
Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is crucial in endometriosis. This review examines how altered apoptosis in endometrial cells contributes to endometriosis development and survival, and its therapeutic implications.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Endometriosis is defined by endometrial cells surviving outside the uterus, evading programmed cell death (apoptosis).
- Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in endometriosis pathogenesis.
- Eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis shows altered expression of apoptosis-regulating factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological role of apoptosis in normal endometrium.
- To examine alterations in apoptosis regulation in endometriosis.
- To discuss the potential of targeting apoptosis for endometriosis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on apoptosis in normal and endometriotic endometrium.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms of apoptosis dysregulation.
- Review of current and potential therapeutic strategies targeting apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Endometrial cells in endometriosis exhibit resistance to apoptosis due to increased anti-apoptotic and decreased pro-apoptotic factors.
- Increased apoptosis of immune cells in the peritoneal cavity may impair clearance of ectopic endometrial cells.
- Altered apoptosis contributes to the survival and proliferation of endometrial implants.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis dysregulation is a key factor in endometriosis development and progression.
- Targeting apoptotic pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue for endometriosis.
- Further research into apoptosis modulation could lead to novel treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
02:07Oogenesis
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
01:22Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...