Fig. 4
From: Villainous role of estrogen in macrophage-nerve interaction in endometriosis
Significance of estrogen in endometriosis. Dysregulation of estrogen in endometriosis can mediate multiple aspects in endometriosis, including recruitment and polarization of macrophages, neurogenesis and angiogenesis. The interaction of macrophages and nerve fibers regulated by estrogen establish a vicious circle, aggravating inflammation in endometriotic milieu. Persistent inflammatory stimulation on peripheral nerve fiber result in peripheral sensitization, therefore exacerbating the progression of endometriosis