The relationship between systemic inflammation and the development of comorbid autoimmune diseases in women with endometriosis

The aim of the study is to identify the features of the relationship between systemic inflammation and the development of comorbid autoimmune diseases in women with endometriosis, as well as to analyze their impact on the clinical course of the pathology and the general condition of the patients. To achieve this goal, the analysis and generalization of modern scientific sources were used, which allowed us to assess the role of systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and determine the frequency and spectrum of concomitant autoimmune pathology in the corresponding cohort of patients. It was established that key mediators of the inflammatory response, in particular IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-8, CRP, PGE2, ROS, as well as macrophages and T-lymphocytes, participate in the formation of a chronic inflammatory environment. This environment provides implantation and proliferation of endometrioid foci, supports angiogenesis and promotes the progression of the pathological process. It was determined that autoimmune thyroiditis is most often detected in women with endometriosis (15–25%), systemic lupus erythematosus (1–5%), rheumatoid arthritis (3–8%) and other autoimmune diseases are less frequently registered, while an increased relative risk of their development was established compared to the general population. The levels of CRP, ESR, IL-6 and TNF-α were analyzed, and it was found that in the presence of autoimmune diseases their more pronounced increase is noted, while in their absence the indicators remain within normal limits or demonstrate a moderate increase, which reflects the different intensity of the systemic inflammatory response. The results obtained confirm the role of systemic inflammation as a key mechanism connecting endometriosis and autoimmune pathology. From a practical point of view, this justifies the feasibility of taking into account inflammatory and immune markers in the diagnosis and management of patients to increase the effectiveness of clinical control and improve their quality of life.