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Semin Reprod Med 1997; 15(3): 199-208
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1068749
Copyright © 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Pathogenesis

Craig A. Witz, Robert S. Schenken
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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Publication Date:
15 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

There are many hypotheses concerning the pathogenesis of endometriosis, though no single theory can explain all cases. It is likely that several mechanisms are involved. Early studies concentrated on the histogenesis of the endometriotic lesion. Recent evidence has implicated components of the immune system in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. This review considers the evidence for different theories of the histogenesis of endometriosis and discusses possible immune factors that may be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Keywords:

Endometriosis - pathogenesis - immune system - macrophage - natural killer - cytokine