Research Progress of Histone Deacetylase and Its Inhibitors in Endometriosis

Abstract Endometriosis is a complex chronic inflammatory disease with an unclear etiology and limited treatment options, severely affecting the reproductive health and quality of life of many women. Histone deacetylases (HDACs), as key epigenetic regulatory molecules, play a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis. This article reviews the abnormal expression of HDACs in endometriosis and their molecular mechanisms in driving the disease by regulating processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It also summarizes the therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) such as Vorinostat, Romidepsin, and Butyrate demonstrated in preclinical studies, and analyzes the main challenges currently faced in clinical translation. Finally, this article discusses the challenges and future research directions for developing novel endometriosis therapies targeting HDACs, aiming to provide references for in-depth research and clinical translation in this field.