Expression of adhesion, attachment and invasion markers in eutopic and ectopic endometrium: a link to the aetiology of endometriosis

We have shown differential expression of adhesion, attachment and invasion proteins in proliferative and secretory endometrium from controls and endometriosis patients and in endometriomas. This study suggests that molecules with these properties may have a role in the anchoring of endometrial cells at ectopic sites, thus initiating the development of endometriosis.