Regulation of angiogenesis by microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in endometriosis

Endometriosis (EM) is a benign gynecological disease that affects the fertility and health of women of reproductive age; it is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Although several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the underlying cause of EM, its pathogenesis remains obscure. Recently, non-coding RNAs were reported to be involved in the occurrence and development of EM. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are the main members of the non-coding RNA family that contribute to EM progression in various aspects, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in the initiation and development of EM and provides a substantial background for the invasion, proliferation, and long-term growth of endometriotic implants. This review aimed to investigate the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in regulating angiogenesis in EM and discuss how this mechanism can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in EM.