Apoptosis in endometriosis.

Apoptosis is a physiologic process that eradicates undesired cells without inducing an inflammatory reaction. It is an important regulator of eutopic endometrial function and evidence suggests that apoptosis aids in maintaining cellular homeostasis during the menstrual cycle by eliminating aging cells from the functional layer of the uterine endometrium. Endometriosis, which is characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, could result from increased cellular proliferation or decreased apoptosis in response to appropriate stimuli.

Combination of CCR1 mRNA, MCP1, and CA125 measurements in peripheral blood as a diagnostic test for endometriosis.

This study investigated the possible use of CCR1 mRNA measurement in peripheral blood leukocytes in combination with measurements of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CA125 protein in serum as a diagnostic test for endometriosis.The expression of CCR1 mRNA in peripheral blood leukocytes was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. MCP-1 and CA125 levels in serum were determined by ELISA and ECLIA.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: new players in the field of reproduction.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Synthetic ligands to one family member, PPARgamma, are currently widely used as treatment for chronic diseases such as diabetes type II and other insulin resistances, e.g.

Sulindac suppresses nuclear factor-kappaB activation and RANTES gene and protein expression in endometrial stromal cells from women with endometriosis.

Context: The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway is a critical mediator of RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) gene regulation and therefore represents a potential target for therapy of endometriosis-associated symptoms.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the antiinflammatory drug sulindac on NF-kappaB activation, NF-kappaB-mediated gene expression, RANTES gene and protein expression in endometrial stromal cells isolated from women with endometriosis, and unaffected controls.

Design: This was a clinical experimental study.