title: Serum and peritoneal evaluation of vitamin D-binding protein in women with endometriosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vitamin D-binding protein (also called DBP or Gc-globulin) is recognized as a multifunctional protein involved in the action scavenger system, the transport of vitamin D sterols, and the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses. This study evaluated total serum and peritoneal concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein in women with endometriosis, known as an inflammation-associated disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  The total concentration of DBP was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a polyclonal antibody raised in a goat immunized with human DBP. Serum and peritoneal fluid were collected from women with endometriosis (n=26) and from patients with benign gynecological conditions serving as a control group (n=17).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In general, the vitamin D-binding protein concentration was higher in serum than in peritoneal fluid. Women with endometriosis had higher serum but lower peritoneal levels of DBP compared with the control group; however, no significance was noted. When the endometriosis group was divided with regard to severity, an insignificantly higher serum level of DBP was observed in advanced endometriosis compared with the mild form of the disease, whereas the peritoneal concentration was not dependent on disease severity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is concluded that serum and peritoneal DBP concentrations are not affected in women with endometriosis; however, based on the latest published data, it is possible that both the serum and peritoneal concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein may be dependent on Gc genotype, which results in differential modulation of monocyte/macrophage activity.
authors.affiliation: University School of Physical Education, Department of Biochemistry, Wrocław, Poland.
authors.forename: Jacek
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Borkowski
authors.forename: Grzegorz B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Gmyrek
authors.forename: Jan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Madej
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nowacki
authors.forename: Marian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goluda
authors.forename: Marian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gabryś
authors.forename: Tadeusz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stefaniak
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chełmońska-Soyta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D002112:Calcifediol / Q000378:metabolism; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D000292:Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / Q000150:complications; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000473:pathology; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000150:complications; D017697:Premenopause / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D044967:Serum / Q000737:chemistry; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000097:blood; D014809:Vitamin D-Binding Protein / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D014809:Vitamin D-Binding Protein; D014807:Vitamin D; D002112:Calcifediol