Anti-inflammatory effect of Man-Pen-Fang, a Chinese herbal compound, on chronic pelvic inflammation in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become the focus of research for the treatment of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID) based on unique medical theory system. Man-Pen-Fang (MPF), a Chinese herbal compound, which is composed of Thlaspi arvense L. (Cruciferae), Gleditsia sinensis Lam. (Leguminosae), Smilax china L. (Liliaceae), Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Sieb. (Celastraceae) and Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) (Caryophyllaceae) MPF has been used for the treatment of CPID and exerted significant clinical curative effects. However, the corresponding active principles and anti-inflammatory mechanism of MPF are still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of present study is to evaluate the effect of MPF on CPID in the chronic pelvic inflammation (CPI) rat model and elucidate its possible anti-inflammatory mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CPI in rats was induced by administration with E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Beta-hemolytic streptococcus. MPF (8.112g/(kg d) (20 times of adult dosage), 4.056g/(kg d) (10 times of adult dosage) and 2.028g/(kg d) (5 times of adult dosage)) and Jingangteng Capsule 2g/(kg d) (20 times of adult dosage) were administered orally for 20 days. The serum levels of five inflammation-associated cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and TGF-ß1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay, and the mRNA expression levels of TGF-ß1, P53, Fas, FasL and MMP-2 in the uterus tissue were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, the expression of NF-κB p65 in uterus and ovary tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry assay and the pathological changes induced in the uterus and ovary tissues were observed by histology. RESULTS: MPF caused a reduction in serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and TGF-ß1. The expression of P53 mRNA, Fas/FasL mRNA and MMP-2 mRNA in the uterus tissue was significantly elevated after treating with MPF, in contrast the expression of TGF-ß1 mRNA was decreased. Furthermore, the expression of NF-κB p65 in uterus and ovary tissue was inhibited after treating with MPF. CONCLUSIONS: These results taken together suggest that MPF has a significant anti-CPID effect, probably due to inhibition of the inflammation reaction by the promotion, and the induction of the apoptosis of inflammatory cells and downregulation of the serum levels of inflammation cytokines.

[Study of effective components and molecular mechanism for Guizhi Fuling formula treatment of dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease and uterine fibroids].

In this study, the active components and potential molecular .mechanism of Guizhi Fuling formula in treatment on dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, and hysteromyoma were investigated using network pharmacological methods. Sterols and pentacyclic triterpenes, with high moleculal network degree, revealed promising effects on anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor, and immune-regulation, according to D-T network analysis. On the other hand, the targets with high degree were involved in inflammatory, coagulation, angiopoiesis, smooth muscle contraction, and cell reproduction, which showed the novel function in anti-dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, and hysteromyoma. Furthermore, the formula was indicated to play a key role in smooth muscle proliferation, inhibition of new vessels, circulation improvement, reduction of hormone secretion, alleviation of smooth muscle, block of arachidonic acid metabolism, and inflammation in uterus. Thus, the main mechanism of Guizhi Fuling formula was summarized. In conclusion, Guizhi Fuling formula was proven to alleviated dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, and hysteromyoma by acting on multiple targets through several bioactive compounds, regulating 21 biological pathways.

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy in Characterization of Adnexal Masses by Detection of Choline Peak Using 1H MR Spectroscopy in Comparison to Internal Reference at 3 Tesla.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the role of the presence of a choline peak in 3 Tesla 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for differentiating benign from malignant adnexal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 46 adnexal masses (23 malignant and 23 benign) underwent 1H MRS study prior to surgery to assess the presence of choline peak. RESULTS: A choline peak was detected in 16 malignant masses (69.5%) and was absent in the other 7 (30.5%). A choline peak was only detected in 6 (26%) of the benign adnexal masses. The presence of an MRS choline peak had a sensitivity of 69.5%, a specificity of 74%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 72.7%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 71% for diagnosing malignant adnexal masses. A significant difference between the frequency of mean choline peaks in benign and malignant adnexal masses was observed (P value<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A 1H MRS choline peak is seen in malignant adnexal masses more frequently than the benign masses, and may be helpful for diagnosing malignant adnexal masses.

[Monitor on influence of quality standard improvement upon Guizhi Fuling capsules efficacy].

In 2012, the preparation process and quality standard for Guizhi Fuling capsule were improved. To compare the effects and differences of capsules before (2011) and after(2012-2014) the improvement, evaluation models for intrinsic dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation and hysteromyoma were applied in rats. Models were induced by oxytocin, liqiud bacteria mixture and estrogen loading, respectively. The capsules (12 batchs/year, 48 bathcs in all), sampled randomly in 2011-2014, the effects were assessed using the three models. In anti-dysmenorrhea models, remarked reduction of writhing frequency, ET-1 and PGF2α content in uterus could be detected, as well as extension of writhing latency. In pelvic inflammation rats, depression of TNF-α and raise of IL-2 were induced by earh batch of capsules. In hysteromyoma model, uterine weight and smooth muscle proliferation, including E2 and P level in plasma, were lowered obviously by all batchs of capsules. Secondly, Guizhi Fuling capsules produced in 2012-2014 revealed better effectiveness than the ones manufactured in 2011. Moreover, pharmacodynamics indexes of the samples made in 2011 differed significantly between groups, which could not be observed in the ones ot 2012-2014. After tne preparation process and quality standard improvement, the effectiveness and homogeneity of Guizhi Fuling capsules were enhanced.

Early microRNA expression profile as a prognostic biomarker for the development of pelvic inflammatory disease in a mouse model of chlamydial genital infection.

UNLABELLED: It is not currently possible to predict the probability of whether a woman with a chlamydial genital infection will develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). To determine if specific biomarkers may be associated with distinct chlamydial pathotypes, we utilized two Chlamydia muridarum variants (C. muridarum Var001 [CmVar001] and CmVar004) that differ in their abilities to elicit upper genital tract pathology in a mouse model. CmVar004 has a lower growth rate in vitro and induces pathology in only 20% of C57BL/6 mouse oviducts versus 83.3% of oviducts in CmVar001-infected mice. To determine if chemokine and cytokine production within 24 h of infection is associated with the outcome of pathology, levels of 15 chemokines and cytokines were measured. CmVar004 infection induced significantly lower levels of CXCL1, CXCL2, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and CCL2 in comparison to CmVar001 infection with similar rRNA (rs16) levels for Chlamydiae. A combination of microRNA (miRNA) sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of 134 inflammation-related miRNAs was performed 24 h postinfection to determine if the chemokine/cytokine responses would also be reflected in miRNA expression profiles. Interestingly, 12 miRNAs (miR-135a-5p, miR298-5p, miR142-3p, miR223-3p, miR299a-3p, miR147-3p, miR105, miR325-3p, miR132-3p, miR142-5p, miR155-5p, and miR-410-3p) were overexpressed during CmVar004 infection compared to CmVar001 infection, inversely correlating with the respective chemokine/cytokine responses. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that early biomarkers elicited in the host can differentiate between two pathological variants of chlamydiae and be predictive of upper tract disease. IMPORTANCE: It is apparent that an infecting chlamydial population consists of multiple genetic variants with differing capabilities of eliciting a pathological response; thus, it may be possible to identify biomarkers specific for a given virulence pathotype. miRNAs are known to regulate genes that in turn regulate signaling pathways involved in disease pathogenesis. Importantly, miRNAs are stable and can reflect a tissue response and therefore have the potential to be biomarkers of disease severity. Currently, with respect to chlamydial infections, there is no way to predict whether an infected patient is more or less likely to develop PID. However, data presented in this study indicate that the expression of a specific miRNA profile associated with a virulent variant early in the infection course may be predictive of an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, allowing more aggressive treatment before significant pathology develops.

[Effect of Smilax china bioactive fraction on tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-4 contents in uterine tissue of rats with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism that mediates the therapeutic effect of the bioactive fraction of Baqia (Smilax china) on chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID). METHODS: Seventy rats were randomized into CPID model group, sham-operated group, normal control group, Jingangteng capsule group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose Baqia groups. Rat models of CPID were established by inducing chemical burns of the uterus and corresponding treatments were administered. After 14 days of treatment, the rat uterus was observed for swelling and inhibition rate, and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the uterine tissues were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The bioactive fraction of Baqia at the 3 doses obviously reduced the inflammatory cells in the endometrium, promoted epithelial cell proliferation, and ameliorated congestion and edema of the serosa. High and medium doses of Baqia bioactive fraction significantly decreased uterus swelling rate of the rats (P<0.01). All the 3 doses of the Baqia bioactive fraction obviously decreased uterine TNF-α content (P<0.01) and significantly increased uterine IL-4 expression level (P<0.05), and IL-4 up-regulation was especially obvious in high and medium dose groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Baqia bioactive fraction can ameliorate uterine swelling, lower uterine TNF-α and increase IL-4 expressions in rats with CPID, which may be a pharmacological mechanism underlying its therapeutic effect on CPID and cervical adhesion.

Measurement of serum and peritoneal levels of amyloid protein A and their importance in the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum and peritoneal concentrations of amyloid protein A in women with endometriosis and to compare them with those of women without endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study evaluated 76 women suspected of having pelvic endometriosis. Fifty-seven women (group A) were confirmed by videolaparoscopy and had their serum and peritoneal amyloid A concentrations measured by ELISA. The average levels from group A were compared to those obtained in group B. Group B was composed of 13 women without endometriosis, submitted to elective laparoscopy for tubal ligation. RESULTS: Peritoneal amyloid A concentrations in group A (310.3 +/- 97.8 ng/mL) were higher than those of group B (53.4 +/- 58.2 ng/mL); p = 0.0. However, serum concentrations in groups A (14.01 +/- 32.3 ng/mL) and B (9.5 +/- 15.9 ng/mL) did not differ significantly; p = 0.35. CONCLUSION: The peritoneal amyloid A protein concentration in pelvic endometriosis was higher when compared to normal controls, corroborating the inflammatory nature of the disease. This finding suggests that the procedure of evaluating the peritoneal amyloid A concentration in endometriosis merits further investigation.

Involvement of pelvic inflammation-related mismatch repair abnormalities and microsatellite instability in the malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis.

Inflammation in the ovary, including ovulation and pelvic inflammatory disease, has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. Endometriotic lesions trigger a local inflammatory reaction and have been reported to be associated with an increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of ovarian cancer arising from endometriosis are still to be elucidated. To clarify the involvement of mismatch repair (MMR) abnormalities in the inflammation-associated malignant transformation of endometriosis, the immunohistochemical expression of mismatch repair proteins (human mutL homolog 1 [hMLH1] and human mutS homolog 2 [hMSH2]) was examined in 27 cases of ovarian endometriosis, 25 cases of ovarian carcinoma accompanied by endometriosis, and 39 cases of solitary ovarian carcinoma. In addition, the relationship between mismatch repair abnormalities including the microsatellite instability, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) mutation, and clinicopathologic parameters was analyzed. The expression of mismatch repair proteins was stepwisely decreased in endometriosis, ovarian carcinoma accompanied by endometriosis, and ovarian carcinoma. Tumors harboring multiple microsatellite instability (high-frequency microsatellite instability [MSI-H]) were detected in 4 (14.8%) of 27 cases of endometriosis and 7 (30.4%) of 23 cases of ovarian carcinomas. The frequency of PTEN mutations was higher in MSI-H cases than in microsatellite instability-stable (MSI-S) cases. In 2 cases of ovarian carcinoma accompanied by endometriosis, the decreased expression of mismatch repair proteins and MSI-H was observed in both the endometriosis and carcinoma lesions. Clinicopathologically, the MSI-H cases were associated with elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein and higher white blood cell counts. These findings suggest that mismatch repair abnormalities might be involved in the malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis and that inflammation induces mismatch repair abnormalities during ovarian carcinogenesis arising from endometriosis.

The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is expressed in normal human ovaries and is upregulated in ovarian endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease involving the ovary.

Estrogens play a crucial role in maintaining ovarian function. Deregulation of estrogen signals is associated with fertility-impairing disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is present in the human ovary. Additionally, we  analyzed the folliculogenesis and ovarian endometriosis in GPER expression. Seventy-nine patients (ovarian endometriosis, n = 26; ovarian pelvic inflammatory disease [PID], n = 10; normal ovaries/endometrium, n = 30/13) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Normal ovaries were also assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and double immunofluorescence. The most intense expression of GPER was noted in the ovarian surface epithelium. Theca cells and oocytes were also significantly positive. Expression of GPER was more frequent in mature follicles/oocytes than in primordial ones, implying that GPER could be a selector during folliculogenesis. Moreover, GPER was upregulated in ovarian endometriosis and PID. Overexpression of GPER in both inflammation and endometriosis affecting the ovary may prove useful in explaining/predicting the main endometriosis-related symptoms.

IL-6 and mouse oocyte spindle.

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is considered a major indicator of the acute-phase inflammatory response. Endometriosis and pelvic inflammation, diseases that manifest elevated levels of IL-6, are commonly associated with higher infertility. However, the mechanistic link between elevated levels of IL-6 and poor oocyte quality is still unclear. In this work, we explored the direct role of this cytokine as a possible mediator for impaired oocyte spindle and chromosomal structure, which is a critical hurdle in the management of infertility. Metaphase-II mouse oocytes were exposed to recombinant mouse IL-6 (50, 100 and 200 ng/mL) for 30 minutes and subjected to indirect immunofluorescent staining to identify alterations in the microtubule and chromosomal alignment compared to untreated controls. The deterioration in microtubule and chromosomal alignment were evaluated utilizing both fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and were quantitated with a previously reported scoring system. Our results showed that IL-6 caused a dose-dependent deterioration in microtubule and chromosomal alignment in the treated oocytes as compared to the untreated group. Indeed, IL-6 at a concentration as low as 50 ng/mL caused deterioration in the spindle structure in 60% of the oocytes, which increased significantly (P<0.0001) as IL-6 concentration was increased. In conclusion, elevated levels of IL-6 associated with endometriosis and pelvic inflammation may reduce the fertilizing capacity of human oocyte through a mechanism that involves impairment of the microtubule and chromosomal structure.

Significant elevation and correlation of plasma neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin and its complex with matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease.

BACKGROUNDS: To detect the expression of plasma neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) and its complex with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of plasma NGAL and NGAL/MMP-9 complex. RESULTS: The levels of plasma NGAL or NGAL/MMP-9 complex were increased in patients with PID compared with those in normal controls and decreased significantly after treatment. Pre-treatment plasma level of NGAL was significantly correlated with WBC and neutrophil counts. In patients with PID, plasma level of NGAL/MMP-9 complex was correlated with plasma level of NGAL or MMP-9 significantly. In predicting PID, the sensitivities of NGAL and NGAL/MMP-9 complex were 76.6% and 78.1%; the negative predictive values, 72.7% and 74.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma NGAL and NGAL/MMP-9 complex may act as diagnostic adjuvant biomarkers for PID. In patients with PID, about 80% have plasma levels of NGAL or NGAL/MMP-9 complex level >10.04 ng/ml or 2.33 ng/ml, respectively.

Specific strains of Escherichia coli are pathogenic for the endometrium of cattle and cause pelvic inflammatory disease in cattle and mice.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli are widespread in the environment and pathogenic strains cause diseases of mucosal surfaces including the female genital tract. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID; metritis) or endometritis affects approximately 40% of cattle after parturition. We tested the expectation that multiple genetically diverse E. coli from the environment opportunistically contaminate the uterine lumen after parturition to establish PID. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Distinct clonal groups of E. coli were identified by Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) from animals with uterine disease and these differed from known diarrhoeic or extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli. The endometrial pathogenic E. coli (EnPEC) were more adherent and invasive for endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, compared with E. coli isolated from the uterus of clinically unaffected animals. The endometrial epithelial and stromal cells produced more prostaglandin E(2) and interleukin-8 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) purified from EnPEC compared with non-pathogenic E. coli. The EnPEC or their LPS also caused PID when infused into the uterus of mice with accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages in the endometrium. Infusion of EnPEC was only associated with bacterial invasion of the endometrium and myometrium. Despite their ability to invade cultured cells, elicit host cell responses and establish PID, EnPEC lacked sixteen genes commonly associated with adhesion and invasion by enteric or extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli, though the ferric yersiniabactin uptake gene (fyuA) was present in PID-associated EnPEC. Endometrial epithelial or stromal cells from wild type but not Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) null mice secreted prostaglandin E(2) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) in response to LPS from EnPEC, highlighting the key role of LPS in PID. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The implication arising from the discovery of EnPEC is that development of treatments or vaccines for PID should focus specifically on EnPEC and not other strains of E. coli.

Microbial antigens mediate HLA-B27 diseases via TLRs.

HLA-B27 positive individuals are predisposed to reactive arthritis developing 1-3 weeks after urogenital and gastrointestinal infections. Also ankylosing spondylitis (AS) associates strongly to HLA-B27, but no specific infection, Klebsiella pneumoniae excluded, has been linked to it. Before the discovery of its HLA-B27 association there were many reports suggesting a link between chronic prostatitis in men or pelvic inflammatory disease in women and AS. They have since been forgotten although HLA-B27 did not help to understand, why this disease has an axial and ascending nature. It is proposed that the urogenital organs form a source of damage (or danger)-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), either exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from microbes or endogenous alarmins, such as uric acid, released from necrotic cells or urate deposits. DAMPs are slowly seeded from low-down upwards via the pelvic and spinal lymphatic pathways. They reach Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in their target mesenchymal stem cells, which are stimulated to ectopic enchondral bone formation leading to syndesmophytes and bamboo spine. At the same time inflammatory cytokines induce secondary osteoporosis of the spine. This new paradigm places microbes, HLA-B27 and TLRs in the pathogenic centre stage, but without pinpointing any (one) specific pathogen; instead, shared microbial patterns are indicated.

[Expression of markers of immunocompetent cells, cytokine level, and L-arginine metabolism in complex extremely high frequency and interferon therapy of inflammatory diseases in women of highlands]. / Ekspressiia markerov immunokompetentnykh kletok, uroven' tsitokinov i metabolizm L-arginina pri kompleksnoi krainevysokochastotnoi i interferonoterapii vospalitel'nykh zabolevanii u zhenshchin v vysokogor'e.

Chronic inflammatory gynecological diseases (CIGD) in highlanders (2,100-2,200 m a.s.l.) are accompanied with the following changes in immunoregulatory parameters: strengthening in the expression of CD3+ (TCR), CD4+ (T-helpers), CD16+ (NK-cells), CD25+ (activated IL-2R), increase in CD4+/CD8+ ratio, levels of circulating cytokines--alpha-, beta-, gamma-interferon (IFN) and alpha-, beta-tumor necrotizing factor (TNF), strengthening in immune adhesion of thrombocytes (IAT), and inhibition of the oxidative metabolic way of L-arginine with redistribution of the main metabolites formed via its non-oxidative way. Complex extremely high frequency (EHF) therapy and interferon (with Laferon) therapy of CIGD normalized expression of the differentiated and functional CD-markers of immunocompetent cells (ICC), CD4+/CD8+ ratio, increased expression of CD8+, decreased IAT and levels of circulating cytokines (IFN, TNF), changed L-arginine metabolism with activation of the oxidative way. Full-value of the population signs of immune stabilization due to the treatment was complemented with increase in the ICC functional parameters--markers of mitochondrial, lysosomal and mitotic activity. We first demonstrated a high effectiveness of complex use of EHF and Laferon as an immunocorrective therapy of CIGD in highlanders.

[Phagocyte activity of macrophages in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis]. / Aktywnosc fagocytarna makrofagów plynu otrzewnowego kobiet z endometrioza.

Phagocytic activity of macrophages isolated from peritoneal fluid (PF) was estimated using flow cytometry. Study group consists of 28 patients with endometriosis and 19 patients with benign noninflammatory tumour of adnex(is) served as reference group. Macrophages were processed in two ways: fresh cells were obtained from women with endometriosis (n = 7) and reference group (n = 10) and frozen cells derived from patients with endometriosis (n = 21) and reference group (n = 9). Phagocytic activity of macrophages was measured against opsonized and conjugated with FITC E. coli. It is worth to notify that phagocytosis was determined in PF environment in the study. Percentage of phagocytosing fresh macrophages did not differ (p = 0.05) between subjected groups of patients and was respectively 64.3% +/- 17.3% vs 49.0 +/- 4.0%. Phagocytic activity of frozen macrophages derived from patients with endometriosis was significantly higher (p < 0.02) in comparison to reference group (14.3 +/- 9.1% vs 5.2 +/- 2.8%).

[The evaluation of IL-12 levels in peritoneal fluid and serum of women with endometriosis]. / Ocena stezenia IL-12 w plynie otrzewnowym i surowicy u kobiet z endometrioza.

We studied levels of IL-12 in peritoneal fluid and serum in patients with minimal, advanced and recurrent endometriosis compared to women without endometriotic lesions in pelvis minor. The aim of the study was to determine whether level of IL-12 detected in peritoneal fluid or serum changes with grading of severity of endometriosis. To assess IL-12 levels immunosorbent ELISA was used. There were no statistically significant differences in IL-12 levels in peritoneal fluid nor in serum in any of studied groups. There was higher concentration (without statistical significance) of IL-12 in peritoneal fluid of healthy women compared to women with endometriosis.

[E-cadherin in the serum and the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis]. / E-kadheryna w surowicy i plynie otrzewnowym kobiet z endometrioza.

Endometriosis, a disease of unclear etiopathogenesis, is a quite common problem in gynecology. It is thought that the retrograde flow of the menstrual debris to the peritoneal cavity plays an important role in the origin of endometriosis but the mechanism of endometrial cells implantation remains unknown. Recently many centers have reported the importance of adhesion molecules in this process. We studied the concentrations of E-cadherin in the serum and the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. Our results show a significant decrease of E-cadherin concentrations in sera and peritoneal fluids in women with endometriosis. We suggest that screening the level of E-caherin may be useful in the monitoring the therapy of endometriosis.

[Lipid peroxides, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) in peritoneal fluid from infertile women with minimal and mild endometriosis]. / Produkty peroksydacji lipidów, czynnik martwicy nowotworów alpha (TNF-alpha) oraz interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) w plynie otrzewnowym nieplodnych kobiet z lagodna postacia endometriozy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and lipid peroxides (the marker of free radicals activity) in peritoneal fluid (PF) of infertile women with minimal and mild endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 19 women were studied, including 9 infertile women with minimal or mild endometriosis and 10 patients with tubal occlusion (the reference group). Lipid peroxides (malonyldialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal), TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma concentrations were measured in the PF using commercially available kits. RESULTS: Concentration of IFN-gamma was detectable in PF of 7 (77.8%) women with endometriosis and in PF from 3 (30%) patients with tubal occlusion. Neither TNF-alpha or lipid peroxides PF concentration differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the groups. In the group with endometriosis we have found a positive correlation (R = 0.77, p = 0.04) between the concentrations of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that oxidative stress in the PF doesn't appear to play a role in endometriosis-associated infertility.

[Evaluation of the generation of interleukin-10 by peripheral blood lymphocytes in women with endometriosis]. / Ocena generacji interleukiny-10 przez limfocyty krwi obwodowej u kobiet z endometrioza.

The aim of study was the evaluation of generating the IL-10 by peripheral blood lymphocytes in women with endometriosis according to the stage of of the disease. Cytokine was estimated by immunoenzymatic method Elisa. The generation of IL-10 by peripheral blood lymphocytes was lower in patients with all stages of endometriosis than in control group. Decreased IL-10 generating observed in our study was not statistically significant, but it may correlate with disorders of immunological cell response. It may also play a role in a development and progression of endometriosis.

[VEGF concentration in peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis]. / Stezenie VEGF (czynnik wzrostu sródblonka naczyniowego) w plynie otrzewnowym kobiet z endometrioza.

The theory of Sampson that endometrial cells and fragments desquamated during the menstrual period are transported through fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity where they implant, proliferate and develop into endometriotic lesions is generally accepted. There is increasing evidence that immunological mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis. Excessive endometrial angiogenesis is proposed as an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Evidence is reviewed for the hypothesis that the endometrium of women with endometriosis has an increased capacity to proliferate, implant and grow in the peritoneal cavity. From the known angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has emerged as a pivotally important regulator of normal angiogenesis and pathological neovascularization. In present study we evaluated the concentrations of VEGF in peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis and showed no correlation between AFS score and VEGF concentration in peritoneal and in ovarian endometriosis. Above results do not confirm former observations indicating the role of VEGF in endometriosis pathogenesis.