Interleukin-12 but not interleukin-18 is associated with severe endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 levels in the serum and peritoneal fluid of women with and without endometriosis.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Interleukin-12 and IL-18 levels were compared in 105 patients submitted to laparoscopy because of symptoms suggestive of endometriosis (pain and/or infertility). The disease was confirmed in 72 patients (study group), while in 33 patients findings were not compatible with endometriosis (control group). INTEVENTION(S): Blood sample and peritoneal fluid were obtained from patients during videolaparoscopy.


METHODS
The levels of IL-12 and IL-18 in peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid were determined and compared with the stage and site of the disease and histologic classification.


RESULTS
IL-12 levels measured in peritoneal fluid were higher in patients with endometriosis compared with the control group. A significant increase in IL-12 levels was found when the more advanced stages of the disease were compared with the initial stages. No statistically significant differences were found in IL-18 levels, either in serum or in peritoneal fluid samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with severe endometriosis have higher IL-12 levels irrespective of IL-18 levels, suggesting that in this disease an alternative pathway is involved in induction of the Th1 immune response.
Fairbanks
Flávia
F
Endometriosis Unit, Gynecological Clinic, São Paulo University School of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Abrão
Mauricio S
MS
Podgaec
Sergio
S
Dias
João Antonio
JA
de Oliveira
Ricardo M
RM
Rizzo
Luiz Vicente
LV
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000276:immunology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D010535:Laparoscopy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015854:Up-Regulation; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D020382:Interleukin-18; D018664:Interleukin-12