Am J Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 2013;1(1):37-42
Review Article
Cell origin of endometriosis: contribution by the fallopian tube epithelium
Zeng Yuan, Yiying Wang, Janiel M Cragun, Setsuko K Chambers, Wenxin Zheng
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China; Department of
Pathology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Henan Province People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of
Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
Received October 3, 2013; Accepted November 17, 2013; Epub December 7, 2013; Published December 15, 2013
Abstract: Endometriosis is one of the most enigmatic diseases in women. Extensive research has been carried out
in the past since endometriosis has a significant impact in women’s life. However, the pathogenesis of
endometriosis remains unclear. In this review, we briefly summarized four main theories associated with the cell
origin of endometriosis including retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia from ovarian or peritoneal surface,
embryonic rests from Müllerian tissue, and endometrioid tissue induction by hematopoietic stem cells. In addition, we
have added our recently proposed theory of tubal origin of ovarian endometriosis based on our clinicopathological
observations and recent experimental results. It would be interesting to know if the tubal contribution in the genesis of
ovarian endometriosis can be truly accepted in future after additional in depth studies in various clinical, pathological,
and molecular levels. (AJCEOG1310002).
Keywords: Endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, fallopian tube
Address correspondence to: Dr. Wenxin Zheng, Departments of Pathology and Gynecology, College of Medicine,
University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, #5224A, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. Tel: 520-626-2396; Fax: 520-626-
1027; E-mail: zhengw@email.arizona.edu
Review Article
Cell origin of endometriosis: contribution by the fallopian tube epithelium
Zeng Yuan, Yiying Wang, Janiel M Cragun, Setsuko K Chambers, Wenxin Zheng
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China; Department of
Pathology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Henan Province People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of
Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
Received October 3, 2013; Accepted November 17, 2013; Epub December 7, 2013; Published December 15, 2013
Abstract: Endometriosis is one of the most enigmatic diseases in women. Extensive research has been carried out
in the past since endometriosis has a significant impact in women’s life. However, the pathogenesis of
endometriosis remains unclear. In this review, we briefly summarized four main theories associated with the cell
origin of endometriosis including retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia from ovarian or peritoneal surface,
embryonic rests from Müllerian tissue, and endometrioid tissue induction by hematopoietic stem cells. In addition, we
have added our recently proposed theory of tubal origin of ovarian endometriosis based on our clinicopathological
observations and recent experimental results. It would be interesting to know if the tubal contribution in the genesis of
ovarian endometriosis can be truly accepted in future after additional in depth studies in various clinical, pathological,
and molecular levels. (AJCEOG1310002).
Keywords: Endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, fallopian tube
Address correspondence to: Dr. Wenxin Zheng, Departments of Pathology and Gynecology, College of Medicine,
University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, #5224A, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. Tel: 520-626-2396; Fax: 520-626-
1027; E-mail: zhengw@email.arizona.edu
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