Peritoneal fluid concentrations of interleukin-4 in relation to the presence of endometriosis, its stage and the phase of the menstrual cycle.
BACKGROUND
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a cytokine with both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the inflammatory system such as macrophage inhibition and T-cell activation. It is known to regulate several monocyte functions, including inhibition of the synthesis of cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha as well as potentiating IL-8.


METHODS
In an attempt to clarify the association between IL-4 and endometriosis, we measured the concentration of IL-4 in the peritoneal fluid of 52 women; 24 with endometriosis and 28 with no endometriosis, controlling for the phase of the cycle and the stage of disease.


RESULTS
There was no difference in the concentrations of IL-4 between women with (n=28) and without endometriosis (n=24). No difference was found between the IL-4 concentrations in women with different stages of endometriosis. Levels of IL-4 did not show a difference according to the phase of the cycle in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate no association between peritoneal fluid levels of IL-4 and endometriosis and hence suggest that IL-4 is not involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Reproductive Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
M R
MR
Gazvani
M D
MD
Bates
G S
GS
Vince
S E
SE
Christmas
D I
DI
Lewis-Jones
C R
CR
Kingsland
D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000502:physiology; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*
D015847:Interleukin-4