Oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with endometriosis: systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
Since the first description about oxygen toxicity made by Joseph Priestley, the oxidative stress has been enrolled as a key factor in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Our aim was to review oxidative stress biomarkers measured in patients with endometriosis.


METHODS
Relevant studies were identified by searches of the MEDLINE database from 1990 to March 2011 using endometriosis, free radical and oxidative stress as mesh terms. We only included manuscripts in English, and review articles were excluded. In addition, free radical chemistry and oxidative stress history were discussed.


RESULTS
After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 articles were selected to be included in this systematic review. A total of 36 oxidative stress biomarkers (20 different markers) were measured in patients with endometriosis. Some of the markers were measured in more than one manuscript. They were arranged in five subgroups: Enzymatic activity (n = 3), Anions/free radicals (n = 5), Lipoperoxidation markers (n = 7), DNA Damage markers (n = 1), and Protein oxidation (n = 4). Of those 36 markers, 23 were found to be significantly higher in patients with endometriosis comparing with control patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of endometriosis.
Center for Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. luizcarvalho.dr@me.com
Luiz Fernando Pina
LF
Carvalho
Abhishek Neil
AN
Samadder
Ashok
A
Agarwal
Luiz Flávio C
LF
Fernandes
Mauricio S
MS
Abrão
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress
D015415:Biomarkers