O-64: Increased apoptosis in macrophages in endometriosis implants: Implication for immune-privileged environment in endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is defined by presence of endometrial cells outside the uterus. Dysfunctional immunologic response and increased levels of inflammatory mediators are factors that may play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Fas ligand (FasL) is expressed in immune and non-immune cells and activates apoptotic signaling cascade in Fas-bearing cells. It plays an important role in the development of immune-privilege mechanism in many tissues. We hypothesized that elevated level of FasL expression increases apoptosis in macrophages within the ectopic implants and may induce development of immune-tolerance in endometriosis.