Natural killer cell activity in endometriosis: correlation between serum estradiol levels and cytotoxicity.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the correlation between natural killer cell activity and serum estradiol (E2) levels in patients with different stages of endometriosis.


METHODS
Natural killer cell activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes and serum E2 levels were evaluated in 73 women who underwent laparoscopy for pelvic pain, infertility, and benign adnexal masses.


RESULTS
The 33 patients (45%) with endometriosis showed a significant decrease in natural killer cell activity in relationship to an increase in disease stage (correlation coefficient r = -0.83, P < .001). A significant inverse relationship was observed between cytotoxicity and serum E2 levels (correlation coefficient r = -0.89, P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between natural killer cell activity and serum E2 levels suggests that an immunoendocrine interaction plays an important role in the progression of endometriosis.
Garzetti
G G
GG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ancona, Italy.
Ciavattini
A
A
Provinciali
M
M
Fabris
N
N
Cignitti
M
M
Romanini
C
C
D000328:Adult; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
D004958:Estradiol