The follicular and endocrine environment in women with endometriosis: local and systemic cytokine production.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine milieu in patients with endometriosis on the basis of the measurement of several cytokines in serum and follicular fluid (FF) and in vitro culture of granulosa luteal cells.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
In vitro fertilization program at the Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad.


METHODS
Twenty patients with laparoscopically documented endometriosis and 18 controls. Fifteen subjects were studied in a natural cycle and 23 were investigated in a stimulated cycle while undergoing IVF.


METHODS
Individual follicle aspiration, oocyte isolation, FF storage, and preparation of luteinized granulosa cell cultures. Diagnostic laparoscopy in natural cycles.


METHODS
Serum (day of ovum pick-up or laparoscopy) and FF measurement of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Secretion of IL-1beta, IL-6, and VEGF in the cell-conditioned medium. Results were compared between patients with endometriosis and controls.


RESULTS
Interleukin-6 levels in serum were increased in the natural cycles of patients with endometriosis and modulated by ovarian stimulation, showing a significant decrease in hMG- and FSH-stimulated cycles and a significant increase after hCG administration. In addition, IL-6 levels were increased in the FF of patients with endometriosis and released in higher amounts by their granulosa luteal cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor was accumulated in lesser concentrations in the FF of patients with endometriosis. Interleukin-1beta levels did not show significant changes. Implantation rates were decreased significantly in patients with endometriosis who were undergoing IVF.


CONCLUSIONS
The data demonstrate that cytokines are regulated differently in patients with endometriosis, who have increased IL-6 production, and suggest that fine hormonal modulation of this cytokine occurs at the systemic and local (ovarian) levels. These changes show that the endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine milieu is different in patients with endometriosis and may be related to their lower implantation rates.
Pellicer
A
A
Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Valencia University School of Medicine, Spain. IVI@FUTURNET.ES
Albert
C
C
Mercader
A
A
Bonilla-Musoles
F
F
Remohí
J
J
Simón
C
C
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000378:metabolism*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015571:Follicular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D016207:Cytokines; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D007375:Interleukin-1; D015850:Interleukin-6; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors