The role of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in endometriosis

Aim Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory condition which causes pain, infertility, and predisposition for ovarian cancer. Endometriosis generates a unique microenvironment for survivability of endometriotic lesions which includes cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. For these cellular activities, cascading activations of intracellular kinases are needed. Many kinase signaling pathways, IKK beta/NK-kappa B pathway, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (ERK1/2, p38, and JNK), are activated in endometriosis. In this review, we focus on the role of MAPK pathways in endometriosis. Methods To identify the role of MAP Kinase signaling pathway in endometriosis we searched the Pubmed database using the search terms in various combinations endometriosis, endometrium, ovary, MAPK pathway, ERK pathway, p38 pathway, JNK pathway, estrogen, and progesterone. Results According to the current literature, MAPK signaling pathway has various roles in generating microenvironment and survival of endometriosis. Abnormal MAPK activation in migration, implantation, growth, invasion into the pelvic structures, proliferation, and apoptosis leads to the form of endometriosis and to worsen the condition in patients with endometriosis. Conclusion To further investigations on the effective and long-term endometriosis treatment, MAPK signaling pathways may be targeted. Molecular mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway in endometriosis should be more deeply understood and clinical trials should be more commonly performed for possible new endometriosis treatments to improve fertility and rescue endometriosis irreversibly.

Automated summary

MAPK signaling pathway plays a crucial role in endometriosis, being involved in the development and survival of lesions, and abnormal MAPK activation can worsen the condition in patients with endometriosis. Further research and clinical trials targeting the MAPK pathway may lead to new treatments for endometriosis to improve fertility and provide irreversible relief.