Decreased levels of interleukin-18 in peritoneal fluid but not in serum of patients with endometriosis

Xinmei Zhang, Zhang X, Jun Lin, Lin J, Qian Y, Yuli Qian, Lin Deng, Deng L
Fertility and sterility · 2004 · vol. 81(5) , pp. 1229–1234 · doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.09.074 · PMID:15136082 · W2112624424
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This study found lower levels of interleukin-18 in the peritoneal fluid of endometriosis patients compared to their serum levels.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the concentrations of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in peritoneal fluid and serum in patients with endometriosis in comparison with the control group.DesignA prospective analytical study.SettingThe obstetrics and gynecology department of an academic training hospital.Patient(s)Forty-four patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic diseases.Intervention(s)Specimens of peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid were obtained before and during laparoscopic procedures, and the levels of IL-18 were analyzed.Main outcome measure(s)The concentrations of IL-18 in peritoneal fluid and serum were correlated with the presence of endometriosis, disease stage, and the phase of the menstrual cycle.Result(s)Interleukin-18 was detectable in 98% of the peritoneal specimens and 84% of the serum specimens of the patients tested. Peritoneal fluid IL-18 concentrations were statistically significantly lower in patients with endometriosis than in patients without endometriosis; the difference in serum IL-18 levels showed no statistically significant difference between the patients with and without endometriosis. The concentrations of IL-18 in peritoneal fluid and serum were not correlated with the stage of endometriosis or the phase of the menstrual cycle.Conclusion(s)Our results suggest that the decreased levels of IL-18 in peritoneal fluid in patients with endometriosis as compared with the control group may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Ascitic Fluid Endometriosis Interleukin-18 Adult Ascitic Fluid Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans Interferon-gamma Interferon-gamma Interleukin-18 Interleukin-18 Middle Aged Retrospective Studies

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