Angiogenesis of the endometrium

OBJECTIVE: To present current data pertaining to angiogenesis of the endometrium throughout the normal menstrual cycle and in benign and neoplastic diseases of the endometrium. SOURCES: We conducted a computerized search of MEDLINE, Current Contents, and Index Medicus for relevant studies in the English literature published between January 1966 and October 1998. STUDY SELECTION: We reviewed all studies that included human and animal models of angiogenesis of normal cyclic endometrium and benign and neoplastic endometrial diseases. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Angiogenesis is important to cyclic, regenerating endometria and disease processes including dysfunctional uterine bleeding, response to exogenous hormonal treatment, bleeding associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices, uterine leiomyomata, endometriosis, complex endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial carcinoma. CONCLUSION: In the future, knowledge of specific angiogenic patterns of various disease processes might improve application of antiangiogenic medications in therapies for benign and neoplastic diseases of the endometrium.