{"paper_id":"2096fc50-00aa-4a8e-ab02-c7793e813115","body_text":"Abstract\nObjective: To compare serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) throughout the menstrual cycle in women with and without endometriosis and to quantify the association between these serum markers. Methods: Twenty five endometriosis patients (ASRM stage III–IV) and 13 controls were followed through one menstrual cycle. VEGF, TNF-α and CRP concentrations were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in each of the four cycle phases (early and late proliferative and early and late secretory). Non-parametric methods and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. Results: Increased serum levels of VEGF in secretory phases and of TNF-α in all cycle phases were observed. A positive correlation between CRP and VEGF was found in endometriosis patients but not in controls. 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