The epigenetic correlation among ovarian cancer, endometriosis and PCOS: A review

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is a frequent malignancy that affects a large percentage of women. Endometriosis is a chronic condition, where there is a production of benign lesions were observed in the uterine environment. PCOS is a metabolic disorder characterized by the presence of numerous cysts in the ovaries. The relation between ovarian malignancies and PCOS, by an increased ratio of ovarian stromal tissues in PCOS patients. The direct correlation is not yet confirmed among the three disorders, but it is often noted that they share risk factors, such as obesity, hormonal imbalances. Epigenetic factors have shown to be an important reason for cancer progression. Our findings at the epigenetic level includes a comparative analysis, point mutations in genes, overactivation of signaling pathways. This review paper, highlight the possible correlation between the three disorders in terms of genetic and epigenetic factors and how it could together trigger the cancer progression and metastasis.

Keywords: Endometriosis; Epigenetics; Metastasis; Ovarian cancer; PCOS.