Clue to cause of womb condition
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Scientists have identified a possible cause of the painful womb condition endometriosis.
The team at the University of Liverpool believe over-production of an enzyme, telomerase, which plays a role in cell division may be responsible. Endometriosis results in patches of the womb's inner lining growing in other parts of the body. It is hoped the Human Reproduction study may lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
Endometriosis, which affects around two million women in the UK alone, can cause severe pain, heavy periods and infertility. However, the cause of the condition remains unknown.
Telomerase maintains the length of key structures called telomeres, which help determine how long a cell can keep dividing. Telomeres are essentially protective caps which stop the cell's chromosomes from fraying and coming apart when they divide. With every division, the telomeres become shorter, and eventually the cell is unable to divide any more.
Telomerase is usually produced at the start of a woman's menstrual cycle when cell division is important. But at the end of the cycle, when embryo implantation becomes the priority, telomerase production tends to fall off.
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The team at the University of Liverpool believe over-production of an enzyme, telomerase, which plays a role in cell division may be responsible. Endometriosis results in patches of the womb's inner lining growing in other parts of the body. It is hoped the Human Reproduction study may lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
Endometriosis, which affects around two million women in the UK alone, can cause severe pain, heavy periods and infertility. However, the cause of the condition remains unknown.
Telomerase maintains the length of key structures called telomeres, which help determine how long a cell can keep dividing. Telomeres are essentially protective caps which stop the cell's chromosomes from fraying and coming apart when they divide. With every division, the telomeres become shorter, and eventually the cell is unable to divide any more.
Telomerase is usually produced at the start of a woman's menstrual cycle when cell division is important. But at the end of the cycle, when embryo implantation becomes the priority, telomerase production tends to fall off.
Read more...
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