How transcription factors regulate apoptosis in endometriosis (Review)

Endometriosis (EM) is a common chronic gynaecological disease that affects 10% of women of reproductive age globally. EM is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in extrauterine locations, and it can result in pelvic pain and infertility. Inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis dysregulation serve a key role in endometriotic lesions. The pathogenesis of EM remains unclear, posing major clinical challenges in its diagnosis and treatment. Apoptosis contributes to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis during the menstrual cycle by eliminating ageing cells from the functional layer of the uterine endometrium. Inhibition of apoptosis facilitates ectopic endometrial cell invasion, implantation and survival, and it promotes the occurrence and development of EM. Transcription factors are pivotal regulators of cellular processes and serve key roles in regulating apoptosis to promote EM. Therefore, identifying the mechanisms by which transcription factors regulate apoptosis in EM may help identify novel targets for the treatment of this disease. The present review summarizes the regulation of apoptosis by different transcription factors in the pathogenesis of EM, contributing to the development of promising biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.