The relationship of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A,osteoprotegerin and endometriosis

Objective To explore the relationship of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPPA),osteoprotegerin (OPG) and endometriosis,so as to apply the new theoretical basis for the etiology of endometriosis.Method PAPP-A and OPG in peritoneal fluid were measured in 25 women with endometriosis(study group) and 25 women with hysteromyoma ablation (control group).Results The levels of PAPP-A and OPG were both higher in peritoneal fluid in study group [(72.3±57.4)U/L and (3.28±2.63) μ g/L]than that in control group [(42.3± 19.7) U/L and (1.73 ±0.45) μ g/L] (P＜0.05).Furthermore,significant correlation was found between the stage of endometriosis and the levels of PAPP-A and OPG in study group (P＜0.05).The concentration of PAPP-A in peritoneal fluid were significantly higher in the secretory phase than the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle in two groups(P＜0.05) ,and OPG in peritoneal fluid without significant difference(P＞ 0.05).Conclusion PAPP-A and OPG maybe play an important role in the development of endometriosis. Key words: Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A; Osteopretegerin; Endometriosis; Cytokines