Epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine and compare the concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in the peritoneal fluid of women with and without endometriosis.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Tertiary care center affiliated with university medical school.


METHODS
Forty-two women with endometriosis and 34 women without endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy.


METHODS
Epidermal growth factor and basic FGF concentrations were determined by highly sensitive enzyme immunoassays using monoclonal antibodies.


RESULTS
Approximately 50% of the PF samples had EGF concentrations of > 0.4 pg/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 0.17) and 90% had basic FGF concentrations of > 1 pg/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 0.058). Concentrations of EGF or basic FGF in PF did not differ significantly between the two groups. In normal women, there was a significant correlation between EGF and basic FGF during the luteal phase. In women with endometriosis, EGF levels were higher during the luteal phase, but there was no correlation of either EGF or basic FGF levels with the severity of endometriosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The concentrations of EGF and basic FGF were highly variable in the PF of women with or without endometriosis and did not differ significantly. The concentrations were so low that neither EGF nor basic FGF in PF could bind to its receptor.
Huang
J C
JC
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Medical School at Houston 77030, USA.
Papasakelariou
C
C
Dawood
M Y
MY
D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies
D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor