Roles of prostaglandin E₂ in endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, affecting approximately 10 % of women in reproductive age. It is characterized as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma outside the uterus, commonly on the pelvic peritoneum and ovaries. The major symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. During the past decade, intensive investigations on molecular mechanisms responsible for the pathological processes of endometriosis have been conducted. Although many factors have been reported to be involved in these processes, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) no doubt represents as one of the most critical regulators of all. Accumulating data demonstrate that PGE₂ controls many critical functions, such as steroidogenesis, angiogenesis, proliferation, and immune suppression that contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Herein, we will summarize the most up-to-date information regarding the functional roles of PGE₂ in the development and maintenance of endometriosis.