Excessive angiogenesis: A new theory for endometriosis

A single cause for the development of endometriosis is unknown. Of the historical hypotheses for the development of endometriosis, coelomic metaplasia and transplantation of retrograde endometrium have been the most widely accepted. Of the modern factors, which appear significant in the subsequent development of endometriosis, genetic predisposition and disturbed angiogenesis are the most intriguing. Active studies are in progress to attempt to identify genes relevant to the development of endometriosis. Active research is also studying the vascular supply to areas of endometriosis and the role of angiogenesis, or new blood vessel formation, in the pathogenesis of this disease. The availability of molecular biology probes, as well as medicines, which inhibit angiogenesis are direct consequences of the application of this basic research to this common clinical problem.