Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs), and IGFBP-3 protease activity in the peritoneal fluid of patients with and without endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) components in the peritoneal fluid of patients with and without endometriosis.


METHODS
Patients with endometriosis were compared with control patients.


METHODS
Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.


METHODS
Forty-three patients with endometriosis and 20 patients without endometriosis.


METHODS
Peritoneal fluid specimens were collected.


METHODS
Insulin-like growth factors, IGF binding protein (IGFBP) profiles and IGFBP-3 protease activity.


RESULTS
The IGF-I levels in peritoneal fluid were significantly higher in patients with endometriosis than in control patients, while the IGFBP-3 levels and the relative proportion of IGFBP-2 in peritoneal fluid were significantly lower in patients with endometriosis than in control patients. However, IGF-II levels, IGFBP-4 profiles, and IGFBP-3 protease activity did not differ significantly between the two groups. No correlation between these IGF components in peritoneal fluid and the stage of endometriosis was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The profiles of IGF components in peritoneal fluid of patients with pelvic endometriosis may play an important role in the growth of ectopic endometrium and endometriosis-induced infertility.
Kim
J G
JG
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea. kimjg@plaza.snu.ac.kr
Suh
C S
CS
Kim
S H
SH
Choi
Y M
YM
Moon
S Y
SY
Lee
J Y
JY
D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000032:analysis*; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000032:analysis*; D008970:Molecular Weight
D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; D010450:Endopeptidases; C080473:insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 protease