Cytokines in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine which of the various cytokines interleukin‐5 (IL‐5), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) are important in endometriosis. METHODS: Peritoneal fluid (PF) samples were taken from 55 women at the time of either laparotomy or laparoscopy, and were examined for the levels of IL‐5, IL‐6 and IL‐1 using each cytokine specific sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Thirty‐two patients had pelvic endometriosis, eight post‐pelvic inflammatory disease, four advanced cancer, three adenomyosis, three benign ovarian tumor, and other diseases. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann Whitney test, chi‐square test or Fisher's test. RESULTS: Both IL‐5 and IL‐6 levels in PF specimens with endometriosis tended to be higher than normal, while the same specimens were mostly interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) negative. Of great interest was the negative correlation between log (IL‐5) and IL‐6 (Fisher's test, P < 0.04). CONCLUSION: These findings support the concept that IL‐5 and IL‐6 but not IL‐1 are associated with endometriosis.