Danazol but not gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists suppresses autoantibodies in endometriosis.
The effect of treatment with danazol (n = 10) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) (n = 10) on autoantibody (AA) production (IgG, IgM and, IgA to 6 phospholipids, 5 histones, and 4 polynucleotides) in endometriosis was evaluated blindly in a longitudinal, prospective, randomized study. Clinical improvement, ovarian suppression, and resolution of endometriosis were comparable in both groups. Approximately 50% of patients had significant AA abnormalities initially. During treatment with danazol but not GnRH-a, AA gradually decreased in concentration and in number/patient. Total immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, and IgA) also decreased only in the danazol group. This study indicates that danazol, but not GnRH-a, lowers abnormal AA associated with endometriosis.
el-Roeiy
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Chicago Medical School, Illinois 60608.
Dmowski
W P
WP
Gleicher
N
N
Radwanska
E
E
Harlow
L
L
Binor
Z
Z
Tummon
I
I
Rawlins
R G
RG
D000328:Adult; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D003613:Danazol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011245:Pregnadienes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011897:Random Allocation
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D010906:Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones; D011245:Pregnadienes; D003613:Danazol