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Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids
Published on: October 4, 2019
Androgens and endometrium: New insights and new targets
Ioannis Simitsidellis1, Philippa T K Saunders1, Douglas A Gibson1
1Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
Abstract:
Androgens are synthesised in both the ovary and adrenals in women and play an important role in the regulation of female fertility, as well as in the aetiology of disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and endometrial cancer. The endometrium is an androgen target tissue and the impact of AR-mediated effects has been studied using human endometrial tissue samples and rodent models. In this review we highlight recent evidence that endometrial androgen biosynthesis and intracrine action is important in preparation of a tissue microenvironment that can support implantation and establishment of pregnancy. The impact of androgens on endometrial cell proliferation, in repair of the endometrial wound at the time of menstruation and in endometrial disorders is discussed. Future directions for research focused on AR function as a therapeutic target are considered.
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