Should Genetics Now Be Considered the Pre-eminent Etiologic Factor in Endometriosis?

ABSTRACT: Endometriosis is a common, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disorder characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue at extrauterine locations. Its pathogenesis and mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology are poorly understood, although genetic variation is strongly implicated in these processes. Genetic studies reveal that approximately 50% of risk for endometriosis is due to genetic factors and the other 50% likely owing to environmental factors. As with other complex diseases, genetic variants in the DNA sequence increasing endometriosis risk all have small effects, unlike most single-gene disorders. It is the combinations of these variants adding together that contribute to higher risks for individual women. In addition, recent data on disease lesions demonstrate a high freque

SUBMITTER: Montgomery GW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7863762 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature