Expression of soluble adhesion molecules in sera of women with stage III and IV endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of stage III and IV endometriosis on serum concentration of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin.


METHODS
Sera from women with laparoscopically proven stage III and IV endometriosis were analyzed for the presence of soluble ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Concentrations of these molecules were compared with those of laparoscopically proven disease-free controls.


RESULTS
When compared with controls, women with stage III and IV endometriosis had higher serum concentrations of soluble VCAM-1, lower serum concentration of soluble ICAM-1, and no difference in serum concentration of soluble E-selectin.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant aberrations in levels of circulating adhesion molecules were found in women with stage III and IV endometriosis. These findings might shed light on the pathogenesis of endometriosis and be useful in the development of biochemical markers for disease stage.
Barrier
Breton F
BF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA. breton.barrier@lackland.af.mil
Sharpe-Timms
Kathy L
KL
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D019040:E-Selectin / Q000097:blood*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood*; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood*
D015415:Biomarkers; D019040:E-Selectin; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1