Peritoneal fluid concentrations of interleukin-8 in patients with endometriosis depend on the severity of the disorder and are higher in the luteal phase.
BACKGROUND
Previous evaluations of the relationship between the concentrations of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the peritoneal fluid and endometriosis led to non-consistent results. Our purpose was to investigate the correlation of the concentrations of IL-8 in the peritoneal fluid with the stage of endometriosis, the presence of red lesions and the phase of the menstrual cycle.


METHODS
Ninety-two patients with infertility (n = 87) or undergoing sterilization (n = 5) had peritoneal fluid samples collected at laparoscopy. IL-8 determinations were performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
The concentrations of IL-8 in the peritoneal fluid of the 68 women with endometriosis were not significantly different from those of the 24 controls. Patients with moderate/severe stages had IL-8 significantly higher than controls (P = 0.008) and marginally higher than patients with minimal/mild endometriosis (P = 0.053). Concentrations of IL-8 were significantly higher in patients than in controls in the luteal phase. Red lesions were associated with significantly increased levels of peritoneal fluid IL-8 only in the luteal phase.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings reinforce the importance of IL-8 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Calhaz-Jorge
C
C
Human Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal. calhazjorge@mail.telepac.pt
Costa
A P
AP
Santos
M C
MC
Palma-Carlos
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000150:complications; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000378:metabolism*; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D016209:Interleukin-8