Evaluating the serum levels of natural killer cells and its activating receptors in patients with Endometriosis

Natural killer cells (NK) play an importantrole causing implantation and proliferation of ectopic endometrial tissue inpatients with endometriosis. The study aims to assess the effect of endometriosison the frequency of NK cells, its activation and inhibition in the peripheral bloodof endometriotic patients.Methods:Sixty four patients are divided into twogroups: 31 healthy controls and 33 endometriosis patients divided into twosubgroups: Group (A) mild stage endometriosis and group (B) moderate and severestage endometriosis. NK cells were identified by monoclonal antibodies surfacestaining for (CD56, CD16), natural cytotoxicity receptor Nkp46, inhibitoryreceptor CD159a, perforin and granzyme using flow cytometry.  Results: There was a statistical significant increase inthe total percent of NK CD56+ in endometriosis group compared to healthy group (p=0.027). There was statisticalsignificant decrease in percentage of NKp46 in endometriosis group compared to thehealthy group (p<0.0001).  No significant difference between differentstages of the disease & control cases in CD159a, perforin and granzyme I. There was negativeCorrelation between Total NK percent and Nkp46 activity.Conclusions:there is a significantincrease in NK cells and decrease in NKp46 in endometriosis patients. Whileno difference in CD159, perforin and granzyme between patients and normal women