Fusobacterium infection facilitates the development of endometriosis through the phenotypic transition of endometrial fibroblasts

Muraoka A, Suzuki M, Hamaguchi T, Watanabe S, Iijima K, Murofushi Y, Shinjo K, Osuka S, Hariyama Y, Ito M, Ohno K, Kiyono T, Kyo S, Iwase A, Kikkawa F, Kajiyama H, Kondo Y · Science Translational Medicine · 2023 June 14

DOI 10.1126/scitranslmed.add1531

Objective

To investigate the role of infection in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis.

Conclusions

Activation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway induced by infection leads to the formation of TAGLN-positive myofibroblasts, which contribute to the development of endometriosis. Antibiotic treatment shows promise in preventing and reducing endometriotic lesions.

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