Aromatase: a key molecule in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and a therapeutic target

Endometrium from women with endometriosis shows increased proliferation activity

“…Aromatase activity is present, which is influenced by prostaglandin E2. High aromatase messenger RNA activity is seen in endometrial tissues implanted onto ovarian surfaces and in endometriomas, and this is believed to be the source of estrogen found within endometriosis lesions (12). Further studies are required to establish which values of Ki-67 protein might be used to predict, recurrence, or malignant change of endometriosis.…”

Aromatase (CYP19) gene variants influence ovarian response to standard gonadotrophin stimulation

“…Aromatase participates in human sexual development and reproduction by influencing estrogen bioavailability and androgen maintenance. High aromatase expression levels have been reported in pathological conditions, such as endometriosis [2] and breast cancer [3], whereas local aromatase activity has been associated with fibroids, adenomyosis and leiomyomas [4].…”

Management of adenomyosis in infertile women: comparison between laparotomic resection and administration of aromatase inhibitor (<em>Experience in 55 cases</em>)

“…The use of aromatase inhibitor will eliminate the appearance of mRNA aromatase in lesion tissue as a result of estrogen disappearance. 8,9 We hypothesized that the administration of nonspecific steroid aromatase inhibitor (anastrozol) will suppress estrogen biosynthesis such that the growth of adenomyosis will remiss. The appearance of aromatase in the endometrial lesion tissue will disappear after the administration of therapy with aromatase inhibitor of anastrozol.…”

“…By inhibiting aromatase activation directly, E 2 serum level in the endometrial tissue will be reduced. 8,9 It is expected that by this mechanism the growth of endometrial lesion will be inhibited. This paper will generally address the experience in managing adenomyosis in infertile women by way of resection, and medicinal therapy using aromatase inhibitor for patients who refuse to undergo resection.…”