Decreased levels of peritoneal interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in patients with endometriosis and disease-related dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Objective: To determine the level of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum in patients with endometriosis.

Design: A prospective analytical study.

Setting: University-affiliated obstetrics and gynecology academic training hospital.

Patient(s): One hundred eighteen patients underwent laparoscopy for benign gynecologic diseases.

Intervention(s): Peripheral blood and PF were obtained before and during surgical procedures, and the levels of IL-1ra were measured.

Main outcome measure(s): The concentrations of IL-1ra in PF and serum were correlated with the presence of endometriosis, disease stage, and the phase of menstrual cycle.

Result(s): Peritoneal fluid IL-1ra concentrations were significantly lower in patients with endometriosis than in patients without endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid IL-1ra concentrations decreased with the increased severity of endometriosis and also decreased in disease-related dysmenorrhea; serum IL-1ra levels showed no significant difference between the patients with and without endometriosis. The concentrations of IL-1ra in PF and serum were not correlated with the phase of menstrual cycle.

Conclusion(s): Our results suggested that decreased levels of PF IL-1ra in patients with endometriosis and disease-related dysmenorrhea may play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease.