CO2-laser excision of endometriosis does not improve the decreased natural killer activity.
OBJECTIVE
We recently described a decreased lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity to autologous endometrium and to natural killer-sensitive targets in women with endometriosis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the defect remained after CO2-laser excision of the endometriotic lesions.


METHODS
In 15 women with endometriosis the cytotoxicity assays were performed before and three to four months after complete removal of the endometriotic lesions with CO2-laser excision. CA-125 serum levels were measured before and after laser laparoscopy, in order to confirm that endometriosis had been treated properly.


RESULTS
After removal of the endometriotic lesions the decreased natural killer activity (K562-assay) and the impaired cytotoxicity of autologous and even heterologous lymphocytes to the endometrium remained unchanged, and those cytotoxicity assays were still significantly decreased compared to the women without endometriosis. CA-125 serum concentrations, however, were still significantly decreased three to four months after CO2-laser excision of the endometriosis. (paired Student's t-test p < 0.007).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest a primary deficiency in natural killer activity in women with endometriosis and are in accordance with our clinical experience as endometriosis is relapsing frequently after treatment.
Oosterlynck
D J
DJ
Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Belgium.
Meuleman
C
C
Waer
M
M
Koninckx
P R
PR
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide