Elevation of oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with endometriosis

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Endometriosis is one of the main gynecological pathologies that affects women of reproductive age. There are many theories regarding its physiopathology highlighting genetic and epigenetic alterations, hormonal imbalances and other factors such as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress; but actually, its origin continues to be unknown. Recent studies have implicated oxidative stress and the consequent generation of oxygen free radicals in the physiopathology of the entity through the generation of chronic pelvic inflammation. The objective of this study is to corroborate that there are oxidative stress pathways that are altered in these patients. Methods: An analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers in blood plasma will be carried out, including carbonylated protein levels and the oxidized/ reduced glutathione ratio (GSSG / GSH), comparing the results in patients with endometriosis (n = 19) versus a control group ( n = 11). Results: There is an increase of carbonylated proteins in patients with endometriosis (p <0.041). There were no statistically significant differences in relation to the GSSG/ GSH ratio or GSH levels. Conclusion: There is evidence to relate oxidative stress to the pathophysiology of endometriosis, without being able to determine to date which oxidation pathways are involved.