Exploring Oxidative Stress in Different Endometriosis Phenoptypes: Insights from Ovarian and Systemic Perspectives by...

Endometriosis affects about 10% of reproductive-aged women, characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to chronic inflammation. The exact cause remains unknown, though genetic and epigenetic factors are increasingly recognized alongside traditional theories. The disease manifests in forms such as endometriomas, whether superficial or peritoneal, and deep infiltrating lesions, often causing chronic pain and infertility. Infertility affects nearly 50% of patients, requiring expensive treatments like in vitro fertilization. Oxidative stress plays a key role in endometriosis, with sirtuins, especially SIRT3, emerging as important regulators. SIRT3, located in mitochondria, helps manage oxidative stress and redox balance. Despite extensive research, no diagnostic biomarkers exist. This longitudinal study compares oxidative stress markers and SIRT3 levels in patients with different endometriosis types. While classic oxidative stress markers showed no significant differences, higher SIRT3 levels were observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with deep endometriosis. Additionally, patients with prior surgeries had elevated SIRT3 levels, indicating a possible link between disease severity and SIRT3 expression. The findings suggest SIRT3 as a potential therapeutic target in endometriosis management.