Proteomic biomarkers for endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is a benign, estrogen-dependent gynecology disorder associated with pelvic pain and infertility. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, mainly on the pelvic peritoneum and ovaries and in the rectovaginal septum and more rarely in the pericardium, the pleura, and even the brain. The etiology and pathogenesis remains unclear. The most accepted theory is Sampson's theory: retrograde menstruation. The gold standard of diagnosing endometriosis is through laparoscopy. Proteomics research has found differentially expressed protein/peptides; however, till today we have not found a non- or semi-invasive test for endometriosis. To date, two most commonly applied technologies used in endometriosis research are surfaced-enhanced laser desorption ionization (SELDI)-time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) and two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE). In this chapter we will discuss the proteomics technologies available and their advantages and disadvantages and critically describe the biomarker proteomics results in endometriosis.