Signals and molecular pathways involved in apoptosis, with special emphasis on human endometrium

Apoptosis is a selective process for deletion of cells in various biological systems. This event, similar to proliferation, is tightly regulated, with both processes playing essential roles in the homeostasis of renewable tissues. In human endometrium, proliferation and apoptosis occur at opposing poles of the menstrual cycle. The proliferative phase is marked by rapid growth of the endometrial epithelial lining, whereas progressive increase in apoptosis in this tissue is the hallmark of the secretory and menstrual phases. The purpose of this review is to highlight some of the signals and molecular events which are associated with and that may participate in apoptosis. This is followed by a review of the current literature regarding apoptosis in human endometrium.