MCP-1 e IL-8 nel plasma e nell'endometrio ectopico delle donne affette da endometriosi

Objective: To evaluate whether endometriotic cells themselves are able to secrete cytokines which may contribute in creating a favourable microenvironment for their implantation and survival in the peritoneal cavity; and to consider levels of inflammatory and chemotactic mediators that can justify a possible immunitary systemic involvement of the pathology. Materials and methods: We observed 20 patients (age 25-40 years), affected by endometriosis diagnosed during surgical evaluation. The control group was composed of 10 women with benign cystic ovarian disease. Serum samples were obtained from peripheral blood before anaesthesia and tissue samples (ectopic endometrium and ovarian cyst's wall) were collected during surgery and then processed. Both biological fluid were examined for chemokines, MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic protein) and IL-8 (interleukin 8) by ELISA assay. Results: Significantly higher serum levels of MCP-1 were present in patients affected by endometriosis (p value = 0,008). In the tissues processed, IL-8 was detectable in 70% and MCP-1 in 77% of the tissue specimens. Also significantly higher levels of IL-8 (p value = 0,0004) and of MCP-1 (p value = 0,007) were present in the group of affected patients than in the control group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that increased tissutal levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 in patients affected by endometriosis may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of this disease. Moreover, higher serum concentration of MCP-1 in patients affected by endometriosis may indicate a higher activation of circolant monocites.