TDNet Discover

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory gynecological condition characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus, impacting roughly 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. Despite its prominence, the exact etiology of the disease remains unknown. Purpose: This research sought to improve the identification of the contributing biological, environmental, and microbiome-related factors that influence the origin of endometriosis. Methods: An evidence-based clinical review of current research on endometriosis etiology was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and South College Library databases. Keywords used to search databases included “endometriosis”, “dysbiosis”, “fusobacterium”, “environmental causes”, and “biological causes.” Selected articles underwent an extensive evaluation process that included the application of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessments. Following this process, each researcher extracted data from the selected articles. Results: This review analyzed findings from 3 high-quality systematic reviews and metaanalyses that addressed dysbiosis, environmental exposures, and biological factors relating to endometriosis risk. Notably, there was no significant difference in gut or vaginal microbiota diversity between women with and without endometriosis. In contrast, dietary intake showed a moderate association with disease risk. Specifically, higher consumption of red meat, trans fat, and saturated fat increased risk, while dairy intake was protective. Obstructive Müllerian anomalies demonstrated the strongest association with endometriosis (OR = 6.83; 95% CI: 3.76– 12.38; p < 0.001), supporting the retrograde menstruation theory of endometriosis etiology. Conclusion: These findings suggest that biological anomalies and dietary factors may play a more significant role in endometriosis development than microbiota diversity, offering direction v for future diagnostic and preventative strategies. More research needs to be conducted to identify significant contributing factors of endometriosis.