Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology (CEOG) is published by IMR Press from Volume 47 Issue 1 (2020). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with S.O.G.
Interleukin-6 and soluble Interleukin-6 receptor in peritoneal fluid and serum of patients with endometriosis
aCenter for Gynecology and Obstetrics Johann Wolfgang Goethe - University of Frankfurt
Objective: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble Interleukin-6-receptor (sIL-6R) concentrations were investigated in patients with endometriosis and other benign gynecologic diseases. Methods: During laparoscopy or laparotomy peritoneal fluid and serum were collected from 29 patients with endometriosis, 31 patients with benign ovarian masses and 4 patients with chronic inflammation or adhesions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations were determined by Elisa-technique. RESULTS - Patients with endometriosis stage IV revealed slightly higher IL-6 concetrations in peritoneal fluid when compared to patients with stage I to II disease and ovarian masses/chronic inflammation. IL-6 serum concentrations were higher in cases of stage I and II when compared to stage III and IV and ovarian masses/chronic inflammation. Patients with endometriosis revealed significantly higher sIL-6 receiptor concentrations in peritoneal fluid and serum as compared to patients with ovarian cysts and chronic inflammation. Conclusion: IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor may be considered to be involved in endometriosis. However, the patho-physiologic mechanism must be the subject of further investigation.