Potential link between the nerve injury-induced protein (Ninjurin) and the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

• The etiology of endometriotic pain is unknown, and the pain is now classified as a neuroinflammatory pain. This paper is aimd to better understand pathogenesis from the standpoint of neuroimmunity. • The primary function of Ninjurin is related to the underlying mechanism of endometriosis pain. • Ninjurin might be a novel way for non-hormonal endometriosis therapy. Further open new avenues for comprehensive neuroimmune therapy. Endometriosis remains a widespread but severe gynecological disease in women of reproductive age, with an unknown etiology and few treatment choices. The menstrual reflux theory is largely accepted as the underlying etiology but does not explain the morbidity or unpleasant pain sensations of endometriosis. The neurological and immune systems are both involved in pain mechanisms of endometriosis, and interlinked through a complex combination of cytokines and neurotransmitters. Numerous pieces of evidence suggest that the nerve injury-inducible protein, Ninjurin, is actively expressed in endometriosis lesions, which contributes to the etiology and development of endometriosis. It may be explored in the future as a novel therapeutic target. The aim of the present review was to elucidate the multifaceted role of Ninjurin. Furthermore, we summarize the association of Ninjurin with the pain mechanism of endometriosis and outline the future research directions. A novel therapeutic pathway can be discovered based on the potential pathogenic variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]