Vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6 in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine [1] vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis and compare them with those from oral contraceptive (OC) users and normal cycling women and [2] any correlation between VEGF and IL-6 concentrations.


METHODS
Controlled clinical study.


METHODS
University medical center.


METHODS
Patients undergoing laparoscopy for infertility or other benign gynecologic conditions.


METHODS
Peritoneal fluid samples were collected.


METHODS
Levels of VEGF and IL-6 in peritoneal fluid were determined.


RESULTS
Compared with normal controls or women with less severe endometriosis (implant scores of 5 or less), women with more advanced endometriosis (implant scores of 6 or more) have elevated VEGF and IL-6 levels in peritoneal fluid. Compared with normal controls, markedly suppressed IL-6 but similar VEGF levels were found in peritoneal fluid from OC users. Neither VEGF nor IL-6 varied cyclically in normal women or those with endometriosis. There was no correlation between levels of VEGF and IL-6 in peritoneal fluid. There was no correlation between implant scores and VEGF or IL-6 levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The inflammation associated with endometriosis, through increased levels of peritoneal fluid VEGF, may promote angiogenesis for the progressive growth of endometriosis. Effective treatment of endometriosis by combination estrogen-progestin pills may involve the suppression of such inflammatory responses.
Mahnke
J L
JL
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, USA.
Dawood
M Y
MY
Huang
J C
JC
D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008183:Luteal Phase; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D012016:Reference Values; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D015850:Interleukin-6; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors