Does gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in endometriosis identify genes altered in non-gynaecologic chronic inflammatory diseases?
Endometriosis induces the expression of genes in peripheral leukocytes already identified in non-gynaecologic chronic inflammatory diseases, thus revealing the disease as a local affliction with relevant consequences at the systemic level. Although the commonality of gene expression with other inflammatory diseases prevents the use of these genes as non-invasive diagnostic markers, from a clinical standpoint, the idea that the surgical intervention may reduce the expression of peripheral leukocyte genes represents a novel finding.
Longterm mortality of GCA in our area is low. However, it may be possible to further lower the mortality rate through early diagnosis and careful followup.