Molecular mechanisms linking endometriosis under oxidative stress with ovarian tumorigenesis and therapeutic modalities

Cancer Invest. 2012 Jul;30(6):473-80. doi: 10.3109/07357907.2012.681821. Epub 2012 Apr 25.

Abstract

Inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinogenesis might be promoted through oxidative stress-induced increased genomic instability, aberrant methylation, and aberrant chromatin remodeling, as well as mutations of tumor suppressor genes. Aberrant expression of ARID1A, PIK3CA, and NF-kB genes has been recognized as the major target genes involved in oxidative stress-induced carcinogenesis. HNF-1beta appears to play a key role in anti-oxidative defense mechanisms. We discuss the pathophysiologic roles of oxidative stress as somatic mutations as well as highly specific agents that effectively modulate these targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Endometriosis / complications*
  • Endometriosis / metabolism*
  • Endometriosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / etiology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress / genetics
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Antioxidants