title: Increased IL-25 levels in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis.
abstract: Previous studies have indicated a higher prevalence of allergic disease among women with endometriosis. It is already well established that type 1 allergies develop in a Th2 cytokine environment. Recent studies have shown, however, that IL-25 induces a Th2 development of naive T lymphocytes and is central in the Th2 response. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the presence of IL-25 in the peritoneal fluid of women suffering from endometriosis. PF was obtained both from women undergoing laparoscopic surgery due to endometriosis (25 cases) and from women wanting sterilisation (19 controls). IL-25 levels were then investigated by ELISA. Women with endometriosis showed significantly higher levels of IL-25 in their PF (p=0.019) compared to controls. IL-25 levels did not correlate with the stage of endometriosis. Both Th2-cells and mast cells express IL-25, which could favor the development of allergies by perpetuating a hypersensitivity reaction. Further, IL-25 may also hold a role as a diagnostic tool.
authors: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. Electronic address: hellbung@rm.dk.
authors: Helle Folge
authors: HF
authors: Bungum
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aarhus University Hospital, P.P.Ørumsgade 11, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Clinical medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
authors: Uffe
authors: U
authors: Nygaard
authors: Department of Dermatology, Aarhus University Hospital, P.P.Ørumsgade 11, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Vestergaard
authors: Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
authors: Pia M
authors: PM
authors: Martensen
authors: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
authors: Ulla Breth
authors: UB
authors: Knudsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020381:Interleukin-17 / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: C486701:IL25 protein, human; D020381:Interleukin-17
keywords: Diagnostic tool; Endometriosis; IL-2; Inflammatory response; Peritoneal fluid; Type 1 allergy