Vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 in ovarian cystic pathology.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the levels of the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL-8) in ovarian cysts.


METHODS
Prospective descriptive study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
One hundred women, of whom 9 had ovarian carcinomas, 38 had ovarian endometriomata, 43 had serous ovarian cysts, and 10 had follicular ovarian cysts.


METHODS
Sampling of serum and ovarian cystic fluid before and during surgery.


METHODS
Levels of VEGF and IL-8 in cystic fluid and serum.


RESULTS
Levels of both VEGF and IL-8 were found to be significantly higher in the cystic fluid of ovarian carcinomas and endometriomata than in serous and follicular cysts. In endometriomata fluid, levels of VEGF and IL-8 were found to be directly correlated (r = 0.68; P=.0074). Serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher in women with ovarian carcinomas and endometriomata than in those with serous and follicular cysts. Ovarian cancers and endometriomata were similar in terms of cystic concentrations of VEGF and IL-8 and in serum levels of VEGF.


CONCLUSIONS
An increase in angiogenic factors that differentiate ovarian carcinomas and endometriomata from other kinds of ovarian pathology is demonstrated.
Fasciani
A
A
Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. alex.fasciani@inwind.it
D'Ambrogio
G
G
Bocci
G
G
Luisi
S
S
Artini
P G
PG
Genazzani
A R
AR
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005497:Follicular Cyst / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000378:metabolism*; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D016209:Interleukin-8; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors