Evaluation of transforming growth factor-beta 1 concentrations in serum, peritoneal and endometrioma fluid in women operated on for ovarian endometriosis as a biomarker of endometrioma

OBJECTIVES: Some studies indicate the role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in the development of endometriosis. However, the lack is studies assessed its plasma levels as a biomarker of endometrioma. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze plasma, peritoneal, and endometrioma fluid TGF-beta 1 concentrations in women operated on for ovarian endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional cohort study involved 56 women operated on for ovarian endometriosis. Body mass, height, and waist circumference were measured, as well as body mass index (BMI) being calculated. Plasma, peritoneal, and endometrioma fluid TGF-beta 1 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Levels TGF-beta 1 were significantly higher in plasma than in both fluids (1286.1 pg/mL vs 114.7 pg/mL; p < 0.001 and 114.7 pg/mL vs 33.6 pg/mL; p < 0.001) and in endometrioma fluid than in peritoneal fluid (114.7 pg/mL vs 33.6 pg/mL; p < 0.001). There were also positive correlations between TGF-beta 1 levels in endometrioma and peritoneal fluids and plasma (r = 0.46; p < 0.001; r = 0.30; p < 0.05, respectively). There were no associations between TGF-beta 1 in plasma, endometrioma, peritoneal fluid, and endometriosis stage. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that plasma TGF-beta 1 concentration can be considered as a biomarker of endometrioma.