Association of Vitamin D Level and Its Receptor With Endometriosis

Vitamin D level

Endometriosis, a condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often
 occurs due to retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backward through the
 fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. This tissue can then implant and grow within the
 pelvic peritoneum. The survival of these ectopic implants leads to chronic inflammation,
 adhesion formation, and scarring of surrounding tissues, including the ovaries and fallopian
 tubes. Symptoms include cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility.
 
 Ectopic endometrial tissue survival is not attributed to mutations but rather epigenetic
 changes. Studies have linked this phenomenon to genes such as KRAS (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Virus
 Oncogene), involved in cell proliferation and survival. Dysregulated KRAS activity can lead
 to increased production of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins, implicated in angiogenesis and tissue
 invasion, facilitating the spread of endometrial tissue.
 
 Vitamin D has been shown to modulate immune function and reduce inflammation. Studies suggest
 that vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate endometriosis symptoms and severity. However,
 evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in managing endometriosis
 symptoms is mixed.
 
 One study found that long-term intake of vitamin D-rich foods was associated with an 18%
 lower risk of developing endometriosis. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency has been
 correlated with increased expression of mutated KRAS in colorectal cancer patients,
 suggesting a potential link between vitamin D status and genetic abnormalities in disease
 progression.
 
 Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin D deficiency
 and endometriosis severity, particularly in specific populations like the Thai population.