SERUM SOLUBLE E—CADHERIN LEVEL IN PATIENTS WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS

Objective.To investigate the serum sE cadherin level in patients with endometriosis and the alterations of that level in healthy control during the menstrual cycle.Methods.Thirty two patients with endometriosis and 30 healthy women were tested for serum sE cadherin levels by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results.The serum sE cadherin levels in healthy control did not vary throughout the menstrual cycle,which were lower than those in patients with endometriosis.Conclusions.E cadherin might be involved in endometrial shedding during menstruation in endometriosis patients.The serum sE cadherin assay might be helpful as a serum marker for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis.