Increased expression of PRRs and NOS in patients with endometriosis (P3143)

Abstract Objective: To assess these immune responses, we evaluated the levels of expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR)-1, -2, -4, -5, and -9; nucleotide-binding oligomerization domains (NOD)-1 and -2; interleukins-1β, -6, -8, -10, and -12; interferon-γ; tumor necrosis factor-α; inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS); and immunoglobulins (Igs) in patients with endometriosis. Methods: The levels of TLRs, NODs, cytokines, and NOS mRNAs in peritoneal effusion were assessed by real time polymerase chain reaction, and IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in 40 patients with and 40 without endometriosis. Findings from the two groups were compared. Results: We observed expression of all Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), cytokines, and NOS mRNAs and immunoglobulins in the effusion fluid of patients with and without endometriosis. The levels of TLR-2 and -9; NOD-1 and -2; iNOS and eNOS mRNA and CA 125 were significantly higher in the endometriosis than in the non-endometriosis group (p<0.05 each). Moreover, PRRs, cytokine, and NOS showed significant correlations (p<0.05). Conclusions: PRRs, cytokines, and NOS, which act cooperatively in the innate immune response, are closely associated with endometriosis. Increased expression of PRRs and NOS in peritoneal fluid may be associated with endometriosis.