Regulation of autophagy in the uterus: from physiological processes to endometriosis and uterine fibroids

Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are 2 common gynecological disorders. Their pathophysiology remains unclear, although several different risk factors have been identified, including genetic predisposition, hormones, and proinflammatory cytokines. The present review outlines the experimental evidence showing the role of autophagy in the physiology of the endometrium and myometrium and emerging evidence that autophagy may contribute to the onset of endometriosis and uterine fibroids. The full definition of the role of autophagy is likely to lead to effective new pharmacologic treatments for these disorders.