Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial stroma and glands outside the uterine cavity. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to clarify, starting from environmental exposure data, whether possible occupational risk factors may correlate with the onset of the disease. The guidelines for reporting systematic reviews of the “PRISMA” statement were followed and two databases, Scopus and PubMed, were used. Of the 422 studies selected with specific keywords, 32 publications were eligible, 28 of which referred to chemical agents and 4 related to night work. Conflicting data emerged among these studies. Although some compounds seemed to be more involved than others in the onset of endometriosis. Association with exposure to organochlorine compounds is the most supported by the epidemiological data, while other pesticide exposure did not show any clear correlation. Likewise, the hypothesis of a correlation with perfluoroalkyls exposure is not currently supported by data. The involvement of metals as risk factors has not been confirmed, while the role of night work, in the case of long service, seems to play an etiological role. In order to clarify the potential occupational risk of endometriosis development, well-designed studies are needed to evaluate the potential association between chemical compounds and disease etiology.
Highlights
IntroductionEndometriosis is a common, often chronic, inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of endometrium outside the uterus, mainly on pelvic organs and tissues
Endometriosis is a common, often chronic, inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of endometrium outside the uterus, mainly on pelvic organs and tissues.Endometriosis is associated with severe pelvic pain as well as infertility [1]
The search strategy included the keywords in the title or abstract; they were an association of “endometriosis” and, as a second key word, “workplace”, “occupational exposure”, “endocrine disrupters”, “workers”, “chemical” and “night shift”
Summary
Endometriosis is a common, often chronic, inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of endometrium outside the uterus, mainly on pelvic organs and tissues. Endometriosis is associated with severe pelvic pain as well as infertility [1]. It is estimated that approximately 10–15% of the female population is affected by this disease, and out of this percentage about 3% show conditions clinically relevant for women of reproductive age [2]. The exact etiology of endometriosis is unknown [3]. Several factors such as the genetic and immunological profile, the local inflammation, the hormonal activity and the metabolism of prostaglandins have been suggested to be involved in the onset and/or development of endometriosis [4]. From an epidemiological point of view, numerous hypotheses have been proposed and various investigations conducted to clarify the etiology of this disorder [5,6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
