RESUMO
PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The authors investigated the expression patterns of interleukin (IL)-lß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cytokines associated with peritoneal inflammatory reactions, and of B cell leukemia lymphoma (Bcl)-6 and B lymphocyte inducer of maturation program (Blimp)-1, transcriptional factors associated with immunoglobulin (Ig) production; the concentrations of Igs, and their correlation, in patients with and without endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors analyzed the peritoneal fluid of 98 patients, 46 with endometriosis, and 52 with benign tumors. RESULTS: IL-1 and TNF-α mRNAs and IgG and IgA concentrations were higher in the endometriosis group, but the differences were not statistically significant. However, Bcl-6 mRNA level was significantly lower and Blimp-1 mRNA level was significantly higher in the endometriosis group with significant correlations among transcriptional factors, Igs, and cytokines (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Peritoneal immune responses in patients with endometriosis may be due to increased IgG and IgA concentrations, as well as to changes in expression of proinflammatory cytokines and transcriptional factors.