Participation of Selected Soluble BMP-2 and BMP-7 Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Their Soluble Type I ALK-1 and Type II BMPR2 Receptors in Formation and Development of Endometriosis.

Angiogenesis is considered to be one of the key stages in the development of endometriosis. Recent studies indicate that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors (BMPR) may play an important role in the angiogenesis process. In the literature, however, there is a lack of publications concerning binding BMPs and their receptors with the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The aim of the study was to determine the role of soluble bone morphogenetic proteins, BMP-2 and BMP-7, and their receptors, ALK-1 and BMPR2, in the process of the formation and development of endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid was collected in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, from 80 women aged 21-49 years (mean age 31.3 ± 6.7 years) undergoing laparoscopy to determine the causes of primary infertility. The study involved 60 women in the I, II, III, and IV stages of the disease. The reference group consisted of 20 women who did not have endometriosis or other lesions in the pelvic area. The concentration in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis was compared to the concentration of this parameter in the reference group, and a statistically significant reduction in the concentration of the BMP-2 molecule was found, as well as increasing concentrations of BMP-7, ALK-1, and BMPR2. BMP-2 and BMP-7 and their soluble receptors, ALK-1 and BMPR2, are involved in the formation of endometriosis. The changes in the concentrations of most of the tested parameters demonstrated in the study, especially in the early stages of the disease, may indicate the more effective formation of new blood vessels in this period.

Participation of selected soluble cell adhesion molecules and syndecans in formation and development of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: Concentrations of soluble ICAM-2, -3, -4 and syndecan-1 and -4 have not yet been marked in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. The aim of the study was to determine whether these molecules can participate in formation and development of endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised of 80 women at the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, aged 21 to 49 years (mean age 31. 3 ± 6. 7 years) undergoing laparoscopy, to determine the causes of primary infertility and to confirm or exclude endometriosis. The study group consisted of 60 women with endometriosis in the pelvis as confirmed by laparoscopy and histopathology. The reference group consisted of 20 women in whom no endometriosis. Concentrations of selected sICAM and syndecans in the peritoneal fluid were determined with the use of ELISA method. RESULTS: Decreased concentrations of sICAM-2 and increased concentrations of sICAM-3, sICAM-4 and syndnecan-1 and -4 were observed in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis and compared with concentrations of this parameter in the reference group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, negative correlation was found between the concentrations of sICAM-3 and sICAM-2 among women with endometriosis. There was no statistically significant correlation between the concentration of sICAM-2 and sICAM-4, sICAM-3 and sICAM-4 and syndecan-1 and syndecan-4 in the examined women. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in concentrations of all the evaluated molecules were observed in the peritoneal fluid in women suffering from endometriosis. Since they have a role in regulation of the immune response, in angiogenesis and apoptosis of the endometrial cells.

The immune complex p53 protein/anti-p53 autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of ovarian serous carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The tests conducted were intended to analyze the concentration of p53 protein and anti-p53 autoantibodies in serum of women with ovarian tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients with diagnosed ovarian cancer: Cystadenoma serosum or Cystadenocarcinoma papillare serosum at IIIc stage (including 10 women who had G1, 14 women who had G2 and 30 women who had G3 staging). Concentrations of parameters were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The analysis of the obtained results showed statistical significance between the concentration of p53 protein depending on the degree of differentiation of G1 and G3 (p < 0.001) and anti-p53 autoantibodies depending on the degree of differentiation of G1 and G2 (p < 0.05) as well as G2 and G3 (p < 0.01). In addition, the determined p53/anti-p53 autoantibodies ratio was only significant between G1 and G2 (p < 0.05), as was the assessment of the percentage of the tested parameters in the immune complex. CONCLUSIONS: Immune system disorders involving the p53 protein and anti-p53 autoantibodies may be one of the immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian serous cancer.

The involvement of multifunctional TGF-ß and related cytokines in pathogenesis of endometriosis.

PURPOSE: Transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) is one of the major immune and inflammation factors responsible for regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Deregulated TGF-ß activity, especially its influence in peritoneal cytokine cross-talk, has been implicated in pathologies of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether TGF-ß could be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. For this purpose, we evaluated concentrations of TGFß1, TGF-ß2, TGF-ß3 and interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22 in peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum of women with endometriosis. METHODS: A total of 66 women of reproductive age were involved in the study, 51 endometriosis patients, and 15 women from the control group. PF and serum levels of all cytokines were measured with ELISA in women with or without endometriosis. RESULTS: Higher PF and serum levels of TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2, TGF-ß3, presented also as a total TGF-ß in women with endometriosis compared to control were observed. The biggest increase was measured in the case of TGF-ß1. The higher levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17 in PF and serum of endometriosis women than control was observed. Higher PF levels of studied parameters in comparison with serum levels were found. CONCLUSIONS: In endometriosis, TGF-ß could affect differentiation of T helper (Th) cells, hence produce more IL-17 and IL-10 to PF and might have an indirect influence on inflammation, which is associated with higher IL-1ß and IL-6 levels. In consequent, TGF-ß in peritoneal fluid may promote an environment favorable to ectopic lesion formation.

The role of complement components C1q, MBL and C1 inhibitor in pathogenesis of endometriosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the work was to evaluate possible associations between the complement components C1q, mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and C1 inhibitor (C1INH) with pathogenesis of endometriosis. METHODS: Concentrations of C1q, MBL and C1INH were measured by ELISA in peritoneal fluid (PF) in 80 women with or without endometriosis. RESULTS: Significantly higher PF levels of C1q, MBL and C1INH in women with endometriosis compared to control group were observed (p < 0.0001). A higher concentration of the studied parameter was found in PF of women at the early stage of the disease, as compared to women with advanced endometriosis (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our research suggests that in the peritoneal cavity in women with endometriosis there are abnormal regulations of both the classical and lectin pathways of the complement system. This can suggest impairments in purification of peritoneal cavity from ectopic endometrial cells and augmented local inflammation in endometriosis patients.

The Delicate Balance between the Good and the Bad IL-1 Proinflammatory Effects in Endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is an inflammatory gynaecological disease with an associated chronic inflammation. Interleukin(IL)-1 is one of the most important immune and proinflammatory factors, produced mainly by monocytes and macrophages. Studies indicate the role of the cytokine from IL-1 family in endometrium-related disorders, particularly in endometriosis. METHODS: The information about the impact of cytokine from IL-1 cytokine family on the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis was obtained with an electronic literature search based on the PubMed and Medline databases, spanning the period of January 1950 to July 2017 and includes associated references in the published studies. RESULTS: The impairment of the IL-1 family cytokine-network may lead to changes in the activation of immune system in the peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis. The aberrant ectopic endometrial cell properties of adhesion, implantation and proliferation may be the result of a reduced suppressive capacity controlling the IL-1. The imbalance between IL-1α, pro-IL-1ß, mature IL-1ß and sIL-1R2 and sIL-1RAcP in the peritoneal fluid and serum of women with endometriosis may be linked to the ability of transforming an acute inflammation into a chronic one. Despite the fact that peritoneal macrophages secrete more antiinflammatory IL-1Ra and less proinflammatory IL-1 in the peritoneal cavity in affected women, the inflammation still develops. CONCLUSIONS: This observation clearly suggested a significant inadequacy in the specific regulatory mechanisms of IL-1 activity at the peritoneal cavity level. The imbalance between all studied cytokines in endometriosis may escalate peritoneal inflammation and, in consequence, develop endometriosis.

Assessment of concentrations of sTRAIL ligand and its receptors sTRAIL-R1 and sTRAIL-R2 - markers monitoring the course of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis induction: potential application in ovarian cancer diagnostics.

INTRODUCTION: TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) together with its receptors are involved in activation of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Due to the special role of the apoptosis pathway in pathogenesis of ovarian cancers, the aim of the study was to assess concentrations of sTRAIL, sTRAIL-R1 and sTRAIL-R2 in serum of affected women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 85 women with diagnosed ovarian tumors: 35 women with ovarian serous cystadenoma, 15 women with ovarian teratoma and 35 women with serous cystadenocarcinoma. The control group consisted of 30 healthy women. Concentrations of studied parameters were measured by ELISA methods. RESULTS: Serum levels of all studied parameters were higher in serum of women with ovarian tumors than in the controls, but their concentrations varied depending on the clinical diagnosis. The highest concentration of TRAIL was found in serum of women with ovarian cancer, the highest sTRAIL-R1 level in serum of women with ovarian mature teratoma, and the highest sTRAIL-R2 level in serum of women with ovarian serous cystadenoma. CONCLUSIONS: The state of immunosuppression accompanying neoplastic disease depends on the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis induction in the TRAIL/TRAIL-R system. Determination of TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 levels may prove to be useful in ovarian tumor differential diagnostics, which requires further research.

Abnormal peritoneal regulation of chemokine activation-The role of IL-8 in pathogenesis of endometriosis.

PROBLEM: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with an impairment in immune response. Disorders in the peritoneal fluid and ectopic endometrium macrophage populations and their secretory products create a specific microenvironment inducing the development of the disease. The important factors involved in inflammation associated with endometriosis are chemokines, especially interleukin (IL)-8. For this reason, the current study briefly reviews the role of IL-8 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. METHOD OF STUDY: A systematic review was done on all published studies that compared IL-8 expression and concentration in patients with and without endometriosis to evaluate their potential as biomarkers for the disease. RESULTS: IL-8 induces chemotaxis of neutrophils and other immune cells; also, it is a potent angiogenic agent. Most researchers pointed to the increased peritoneal and serum IL-8 levels and showed correlation with the severity of the disease, size and number of the active lesions. IL-8 takes part in all processes during the development of the disease: adhesion, invasion, and implantation of ectopic tissue. Additionally, the chemokine plays a role in growth and maintenance of ectopic endometrial tissue directly affecting endometrial cell proliferation. IL-8 might also protect ectopic cells against death by apoptosis. CONCLUSION: It may act as an autocrine growth factor in the endometrium and promotes the vicious circle of endometrial cell attachment and, in consequence, may lead to a transformation from acute to chronic inflammation stage.

Effect of Th1/Th2 cytokine administration on proinflammatory SKOV-3 cell activation.

INTRODUCTION: Interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-6 and IL-12 might associate with inflammatory processes in a tumor progression and create a specific microenvironment for tumor growth. The aim of the study was to assess whether the Th1 and Th2 type cytokines, such as IL-2 and IL-10, affect ovarian carcinoma continuous cell line (SKOV-3) pro-inflammatory activation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SKOV-3 ovarian cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated by IL-2 and IL-10. Additionally, SKOV-3 ovarian cells and PBMCs were co-cultured together. Proinflammatory activation of cancer cells was evaluated by measurement of IL-1ß and IL-6 levels in culture fluid after 72 h of incubation. RESULTS: SKOV-3 cells and PBMCs secreted IL-1ß and IL-6. After stimulation by IL-2 and IL-10, secretion of studied parameters was changed in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of a higher IL-2 level gave rise to an increase of IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-12 secretion in SKOV-3 cells. Stimulation by IL-10 increased only IL-1ß secretion in SKOV-3 cells. However, IL-6 secretion decreased after stimulation with 25 ng/ml IL-10. Activatory effects of IL-2 and inhibitory effects of IL-10 in co-culture of SKOV-3 and PBMCs were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that Th1/Th2 type of cytokines might influence pro-inflammatory activation of SKOV-3 ovarian cells. Co-cultures of SKOV-3 and PBMCs showed significant changes in cross-talk between cancer and immune cells.

Association of the Precursor of Interleukin-1ß and Peritoneal Inflammation-Role in Pathogenesis of Endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: The most important proinflammatory cytokine is interleukin (IL)-1ß, however its precursor, prointerleukin-1ß (proIL-1ß), can also potentiate inflammatory state. The aim of this study was to explore the involvement of proIL-1ß in pathogenesis of endometriosis. For this purpose, we evaluated concentrations of proIL-1ß, IL-1ß, and soluble IL-1 receptor type 2 (sIL-1R2) in peritoneal fluid (PF) and macrophage culture medium of women with endometriosis. METHODS: PF from 55 women with and without endometriosis was collected during laparoscopy. Peritoneal macrophages were cultured in basal and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) conditions. Concentrations of cytokines were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). RESULTS: PF proIL-1ß and IL-1ß levels in endometriosis women were higher than in the control. Higher basal and stimulated macrophage secretion of cytokines in endometriosis patients than in the control was observed. However, in endometriosis, there was a higher level of proIL-1ß than for the mature molecule. Additionally, lower PF and macrophages culture medium sIL-1R2 levels were observed in women with endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal proIL-1ß concentration in PF and higher macrophage secretion can escalate peritoneal inflammation and endometriosis formation. The results are presented as a total IL-1ß, which is a sum of proIL-1ß  and IL-1ß, and we believe that it reflects the actual cytokine production. The imbalance among all studied cytokines in endometriosis may be linked with an ability to transform acute inflammation to the chronic inflammation.

Peripheral blood proinflammatory response in women during menstrual cycle and endometriosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in levels of serum and monocyte derived interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and neopterin (NPT) in women with normal or abnormal menstrual cycles and women with endometriosis. The women participating in this study were divided into 4 groups: 25 women with normal menstrual cycle; 25 women taking oral contraception (OC); 20 postmenopausal women and 25 endometriosis patients. IL-1beta, IL-6 and NPT levels in serum and monocyte culture media were measured with ELISA methods. The data collected showed the lowest serum NPT levels in women with follicular menstrual cycles. The levels of both types of interleukins in serum were the lowest in women using OC. In contrast, the highest concentrations of all cytokines were found in the serum of women with endometriosis. The lowest monocyte activity was observed in women with a follicular menstrual cycle phase and the highest in endometriosis. Monocytes from women using OC secreted similar amounts of cytokines to the cells during the follicular menstrual cycle phase. Changes occurring at the time of contraception, after menopause and during endometriosis, are followed by changed proinflammatory monocyte activity, which is associated with different secretion of cytokines. OC can inhibit inflammatory monocyte properties. Lower serum concentration of cytokines compared to cell secretion may suggest some control mechanisms of monocyte activity.

Imbalance in serum soluble CD30/CD30L and CD40/CD40L systems are associated with ovarian tumors.

The aim of the study was to examine the concentrations of the soluble receptors and their ligands of CD30/CD30L and CD40/CD40L systems in the serum of women with ovarian tumor and in the ovarian cyst fluid of women with Cystadenoma serosum. The study included 120 women with ovarian tumors. As a control, sera were obtained from 60 healthy female volunteers. Concentrations of the sCD30, sCD30L, sCD40 and sCD40L in the serum and the ovarian cyst fluid were measured by ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Concentrations of both sCD30 and sCD30L in serum of women with ovarian tumors were significantly higher than in control (p < 0.0001). The highest serum receptor and its ligand levels were observed in women with ovarian cancer (p < 0.0001). Moreover, results showed significantly increased levels of sCD40 and sCD40L serum in women with ovarian tumors, as compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). The highest concentration of sCD40 in the serum of women with ovarian cancer and sCD40L in serum of women with Teratoma maturum (p < 0.0001) were observed. Impaired apoptosis among women with ovarian tumors is associated with the impairments of soluble CD30/CD30L and CD40/CD40L systems. Measurement of studied parameter concentrations in serum of women with ovarian tumors has been suggested to be a potential tool in monitoring of inflammatory. Evaluation of sCD30, sCD30L and sCD40 might be an early diagnostic marker in patients with the ovarian cancer. Concentrations of the studied parameters in the ovarian cyst fluid higher than the serum values suggest local suppression of the immune response. However, the final evaluation of the importance of measurement of serum levels of them requires further investigation.

Higher serum levels of tumour necrosis factor and its soluble receptors are associated with ovarian tumours.

INTRODUCTION: Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and its soluble receptors type 1 (sTNF-R1) and type 2 (sTNF-R2) have been suggested as key mediators between apoptosis and cancer cell progression. The aim was to examine concentrations of the parameters in the serum of women with ovarian tumour and in the fluid from ovarian cysts of women with serous cystadenoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 125 women with ovarian tumours. As a control, sera were obtained from 70 healthy female volunteers. Concentrations of TNF, sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Significant increases of TNF, sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 were found in the serum of women with ovarian tumour in comparison to the control (p < 0.0001). The highest levels of all studied parameters were observed in women with ovarian cancer. In the ovarian cyst fluid the concentrations of the evaluated parameters increased significantly as compared to the serum (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed changes in regulatory mechanisms of apoptosis in women with ovarian tumours which are associated with increased concentrations of all studied factors. Serum estimated TNF and especially sTNF-R may be used as complementary diagnostic markers in patients with ovarian tumours.

[Systemic lupus erythematosus--still current clinical and diagnostic problem]. / Toczen rumieniowaty ukladowy--ciagle aktualny problem kliniczny i diagnostyczny.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that frequently affects women of childbearing age. SLE is associated with impairments in immune system, which is a consequence of increased production of various autoantibodies. This disease is still a major diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Some hope to explain the complex etiopathogenesis of the disease creates a monitoring function of the immune system. A chance for patients are biologically targeted therapies that affect the critical stages of the disease and autoimmune inflammatory processes.

Imbalance in cytokines from interleukin-1 family - role in pathogenesis of endometriosis.

PROBLEM: To assess whether interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-18 and interleukin-1 converting enzyme (ICE) are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. METHOD OF STUDY: Peritoneal fluid (PF) was obtained from 85 women with and without endometriosis. Peritoneal macrophages were cultured and the culture media collected. IL-1beta, IL-18 and ICE levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Levels of IL-1beta and ICE in PF of women with endometriosis were higher than those in the control group. However, PF level of IL-18 was significantly lower in the study group than in the controls. Higher secretion of IL-1beta by peritoneal macrophages and lower IL-18 and ICE in endometriosis patients than in control were observed. Following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, the macrophages secreted more IL-1beta, IL-18 and ICE in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results pointed to impairment of the secretion of the IL-1 cytokine family in endometriosis. Invalid IL-1beta and IL-18 maturation by ICE may be an important pathogenic factor in endometriosis.

[Changes in concentrations of tumor necrosis factor TNF and its soluble receptors type 1 (sTNF-r1) and type 2 (sTNF-R2) in serum of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction]. / Zmiany stezenia czynnika martwicy nowotworu TNF oraz rozpuszczalnych receptorów dla tnf: typu 1 (sTNF-R1) i typu 2 (sTNF-R2) w surowicy chorych z zawalem serca z uniesieniem odcinka ST.

INTRODUCTION: Impairments of apoptosis process, called programmed cell death, are the basis of pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction. The aim of our study was to estimation dynamic changes of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and soluble receptors for TNF: type 1 (sTNF-R1) and type 2 (sTNF-R2) levels in serum of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 70 patients aged 42 to 75 (mean 58.3 +/- 7.6 years) with the confirmed first episode of the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The analyzed material was blood obtained from patients at fourth time: I. - the time of admission, II. - after 12 hour, III. - after 24 hour and IV. - on 5th day. Serum TNF, sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 levels were performed with the use of the immunoenzymatic method ELISA. RESULTS: The highest concentrations of TNF, sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 at a time of admission were observed. In the next examination dates level of studied parameters decreased: after 12 hours, after 24 hours and on 5th day. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with myocardial infarction were observed intensify of apoptosis process, which associated with increased concentration of TNF, sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2. The measurement of studied parameters might be usefulin monitoring of course myocardial infarction, which need more examinations.

[Changes in calprotectin concentration--inflammation marker in serum of women with gynecological cancer]. / Zmiany stzenia kalprotektyny--markera zapalenia w surowicy kobiet z nowotworem narzadów plciowych.

OBJECTIVES: Malignant tumors of the ovary and uterus remain to be a diagnostic and therapeutic problem in Poland, mainly due to the lack of effective diagnosis of their early stages. There is a relation between an impaired immune system, especially the process of inflammation and the pathogenesis of these tumors. The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of calprotectin--a inflammation marker in the serum of women with ovarian or uterine cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 96 women, aged 21 to 72 (mean age: 46.7 +/- 13.6 years) with the diagnosed and histologically confirmed ovarian or uterine tumor The control group consisted of 30 women aged 24-60 (mean age 45.6 +/- 8.9 years), showing no pathological disorders or any inflammations of the reproductive system. The concentration of calprotectin was evaluated with the use of the immunoenzymatic method ELISA using the Calprotectin ELISA (serum) kit by DRG Instruments (Germany). RESULTS: In serum of women with tumors the calprotectin level was significantly higher comparing to the control group (p < 0.0001). The highest calprotectin levels in women with ovarian cancer (mean +/- SD: 231.84 +/- 13.74 ng/ ml) and uterine cancer (mean +/- SD: 166.23 +/- 13.36 ng/ml) were observed and were significantly higher comparing to women with ovarian serous adenomas (mean +/- SD: 72.60 +/- 9.75 ng/ml) and fibroids of the uterus (mean +/- SD: 72.31 +/- 9.19 ng/ml) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In women with ovarian and uterine cancer a significant increase in the concentration of calprotectin was observed, suggesting an inflammatory process that accompanies cancer. These changes are especially pronounced in women with cancer which probably indicates autocrine production of the protein by cancer cells. Estimation of the parameter examined in the serum may improve differential diagnosis of malignant and benign ovarian and uterine cancers, however it requires further investigation.

Role of natural killer cell activity in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic effector lymphocytes with the ability to lyse target cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ι-independent manner and without the need for prior antigen exposure. Data strongly suggested that NK cells play an important role in human reproduction and disturbance in their function can favor development of the gynecological disorders. In our study the role of NK cells in pathogenesis of endometriosis is reviewed and summarized from available literature. Endometriosis is related to a defect of NK cell cytotoxicity function in the ability to eliminate endometrial cells in ectopic sites. Alternations of the innate immunity mediated by NK cells may promote impairments or disrupt functions of adaptive immunity, which can contribute to development and progression of endometriosis and infertility associated with endometriosis. Aberrant immune responses by NK cells in affected women may represent risk factors for endometriosis and the repaired function can be a new treatment target of the affected women.

[Concentration of soluble ligand for receptor CD30 (sCD30L)--marker of apoptosis in women with ovarian tumor]. / Stezenie rozpuszczalnego liganda dla receptora CD30 (sCD30L)--markera procesu apoptozy u kobiet z nowotworem jajnika.

OBJECTIVES: Impairments of apoptosis processes are the basis of pathogenesis of many diseases, including ovarian tumors. The aim of the study was to evaluated the concentration of soluble ligand for receptor CD30 (sCD30L)--marker of apoptosis in women with ovarian tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 80 women, aged from 21 to 62, and included 30 patients with Cystadenocarcinoma serosum la, 35 with Cystadenoma serosum and 15 women with Teratoma maturum. The control group consisted of 30 healthy women, aged 24 to 57, with no evidence of pathological disorders in the reproductive system. The concentration of sCD30L in the serum of all studied women and in the fluid of ovarian cyst of women with cystadenoma serous were measured by immunoenzymatic method ELISA. RESULTS: The highest level of sCD30L was observed in the serum of women with ovarian cancer and it was significantly higher when compared to the concentration in the serum of women with cystadenoma serous and teratoma maturum of the ovary (p < 0.0001). In the fluid of ovarian cyst, the concentration of this marker was significantly higher in comparison with the level in the serum (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In women with ovarian tumors we observed impairments of the apoptosis process, which is associated with an increased concentration of sCD30L in the serum. These changes are more intense in women with ovarian cancer. Higher level of the study parameter in the fluid of ovarian cyst is associated with the local immune response suppression.

[Concetration of anticardiolipin antybodies in peritonel fluid and in fluid from lymphocytes culture in women with endometriosis]. / Stezenie przeciwcial antykardiolipinowych w plynie otrzewnowym i w plynie z hodowli limfocytów kobiet z endometrioza.

AIM: The aim of our work was to study both the concentration of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in peritoneal fluid in women with endometriosis and to examine peritoneal lymphocyte ability to produce anticardiolipin antibodies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study group included 30 women with endometriosis. The clinical stages of the disease were assessed by the revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) classification. Reference group included fifteen healthy women, with excluded endometriosis and other pathological disorders within the pelvis. The concentration of aCL in the peritoneal fluid and in fluid from lymphocyte culture was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent ELISA assay. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significantly increased mean concentration of aCL in peritoneal fluid in women with endometriosis compared to women from the reference group (p<0.0001). The concentration of aCL in fluid from lymphocyte culture was also significantly higher in samples from women with endometriosis than from the reference group (p<0.0001). The highest mean levels of aCL in peritoneal fluid and in fluid from lymphocyte culture were observed in samples from women with stage I of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: An increased level of anticardiolipin antibodies in peritoneal fluid in women with endometriosis and increased antibodies production by lymphocytes may suggest an impairment of humoral immunity and its intensification in the early stages of the disease.