Changes in cytokine levels of patients with ovarian endometriosis after treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, ultrasound-guided drainage, and intracystic recombinant interleukin-2.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the changes in cytokine levels from women with endometriomas who are treated with recombinant interleukin-2 after ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration, and to relate these changes to the clinical results observed in these patients.


METHODS
A double-blind randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-four women with endometriosis-related symptoms and endometriomas.


METHODS
Endometriomas in women receiving GnRH analogues and undergoing transvaginal ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration were injected with dextrose that did or did not contain recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2). Serum samples were collected before and after treatment.


METHODS
Serum samples were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay to determine the levels of IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, and IL-17.


RESULTS
The cytokine levels after treatment with GnRH analogues and recombinant IL-2 were similar to the initial levels. The patients receiving GnRH analogues without IL-2 had higher IL-1, IL-2, IL-8, and IL-13 levels. Good clinical results were observed in 90% of the patients in the first group but in only 30% of the second one.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of recombinant IL-2 intracystically decreases cytokine production in women with endometriomas. These results have important implications for the design of future therapies based on immunomodulation, such as using higher or repeated doses of recombinant IL-2 in the cysts.
Velasco
Irene
I
Division of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Campus de San Juan, Apdo. 18, 03550 San Juan, Alicante, Spain. ivelasco@umh.es
Campos
Adolfo
A
Acién
Pedro
P
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D004322:Drainage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004716:Endometritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015552:Injections, Intralesional; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D016207:Cytokines; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate