ROLE OF ANGIOGENESIS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
The paper deals with the present views of the pathogenetic mechanisms of occurrence of endometriosis. It describes the role of angiogenesis in the development of endometriosis, the basic mechanisms of the formation of the vascular bed, and the factors influencing the angiogenic process in endometriosis (vascular endothelial growth factors, cytokines, transforming growth factor-ß, Smads). Data are given on the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists on tissue growth processes via a few mechanisms, among which there is angiogenesis regulation. The pooled findings serve as evidence that GnRH agonists have a direct effect on endometrioid tissue, by simulating the expression of various growth factors involved in the angiogenic process.