Interleukin-12 but not interleukin-18 is associated with severe endometriosis

Fairbanks F, Flávia Fairbanks, Mauricio S Abrão, Abrão MS, Maurício Simões Abrão, Sérgio Podgaec, Sergio Podgaec, João Antonio Dias, João Dias, Dias JA Jr, Ricardo M de Oliveira, Ricardo Manoel de Oliveira, de Oliveira RM, Luiz Vicente Rizzo, Rizzo LV
Fertility and sterility · 2008 · vol. 91(2) , pp. 320–324 · doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.11.060 · PMID:18295214 · W2131879329
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

This study investigated the relationship between specific cytokines and endometriosis severity, finding that interleukin-12, but not interleukin-18, was associated with more severe cases.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 levels in the serum and peritoneal fluid of women with and without endometriosis.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingUniversity hospital.PatientsInterleukin-12 and IL-18 levels were compared in 105 patients submitted to laparoscopy because of symptoms suggestive of endometriosis (pain and/or infertility). The disease was confirmed in 72 patients (study group), while in 33 patients findings were not compatible with endometriosis (control group). INTEVENTION(S): Blood sample and peritoneal fluid were obtained from patients during videolaparoscopy.Main outcome measure(s)The levels of IL-12 and IL-18 in peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid were determined and compared with the stage and site of the disease and histologic classification.Result(s)IL-12 levels measured in peritoneal fluid were higher in patients with endometriosis compared with the control group. A significant increase in IL-12 levels was found when the more advanced stages of the disease were compared with the initial stages. No statistically significant differences were found in IL-18 levels, either in serum or in peritoneal fluid samples.Conclusion(s)Patients with severe endometriosis have higher IL-12 levels irrespective of IL-18 levels, suggesting that in this disease an alternative pathway is involved in induction of the Th1 immune response.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Ascitic Fluid Endometriosis Interleukin-12 Interleukin-18 Adolescent Adult Ascitic Fluid Biomarkers Biomarkers Case-Control Studies Cross-Sectional Studies Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans Interleukin-12 Interleukin-12 Interleukin-18 Interleukin-18 Laparoscopy

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