Differences of C-type lectin receptors and their adaptor molecules in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis and gynecologic cancers

Abstract Objective The immunological differences between endometriosis and malignant gynecologic tumors were analyzed by assessing C-type lectin receptors, which are associated with innate immunity, and immunoglobulin secretion, which is associated with B cell adaptive immunity, in peritoneal fluid of these patients. Methods The levels of expression of C-type lectin receptors mRNAs were measured by real time PCR in peritoneal fluid of 35 patients with benign masses, 36 patients with endometriosis, and 35 patients with gynecologic cancers. In addition, the concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM were measured by ELISA in peritoneal fluid of the same patients. Results The level of galectin mRNA was significantly lower, and the level of MR2 and DAP 12 mRNA significantly higher, in the endometriosis than in the control group (p<0.05 each). Compared with the gynecologic cancer group, the level of Bcl 10 mRNA was significantly lower, and the levels of MR1, MR2, Syk, Card 9, Malt 1, Dec 205, Tim 3, and DAP 12 mRNAs significantly higher, in the endometriosis group (p<0.05 each). The level of MR2 & DAP 12 mRNA in the endometriosis group was significantly higher than in the control groups (p<0.05), whereas the level of galectin mRNA in the endometriosis group was similar to that in the gynecologic cancer group (p<0.05). IgA and IgG concentrations in peritoneal fluid were significantly lower in the gynecologic cancer than in control group (p<0.05 each). Conclusions C-type lectin receptors and immunoglobulins act cooperatively and are closely associated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.