Human endometrium regenerates and regresses with each menstrual cycle under hormonal control throughout a woman's reproductive life. The cyclical regeneration and remodeling potentials allude to the existence of stem/progenitor cells in the endometrium. There is increasing evidence that human endometrium contains small numbers of stem-like cells capable of self-renewal, multiple differentiation and tissue reconstitution. Although the precise identity of endometrial stem/progenitor cells remains elusive, these cells are thought to play pivotal role(s) in the physiological remodeling and regeneration of the human endometrium and also in the pathogenesis of endometrium-associated diseases, such as endometriosis.
Keywords: endometrial regeneration; endometriosis; side population; stem/progenitor cells.
© 2014 The Author. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2014 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.