RESUMO
Endometriosis is an estrogen-regulated chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by the presence and growth of endometrium-like tissue in extrauterine locations. Its prevalence is 6 to 10% of women in the general population, and 35 to 40% of women with pain and/or infertility. Endometriosis is manifested in different forms, of which peritoneal endometriosis, rectovaginal endometriosis and ovarian endometriosis are most common. Several investigations have been conducted to investigate the genetic basis of endometriosis. However, these studies have been unsuccessful in identifying robust genetic variants associated with endometriosis. On the contrary, the advent of whole genome cDNA microarray approach has allowed for the identification of genes that display modulation in their expression in an endometriotic tissue. Several biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis have been identified. This review article compiles the inferences drawn from high throughput investigations of endometriotic tissue.