Concentrations of neopterin and interleukin-10 in peritoneal fluid and in serum of women with endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder characterized by increased number and activation of peritoneal macrophages and release of macrophage-derived cytokines and growth factors. The aim of our work was to study the level of neopterin and interleukin (IL)-10 in peritoneal fluid and serum of women with endometriosis in relation to stage of disease. Concentrations of neopterin and IL-10 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in PF and serum of 58 women; 43 with endometriosis and 15 without endometriosis. In our study presence of neopterin in PF of women with endometriosis whereas neopterin could not be detected in the control group. Neopterin serum concentrations were significantly higher in affected women compared with control. Significantly increased neopterin concentrations were observed in peritoneal fluid and serum of women with advanced endometriosis. The mean peritoneal fluid and serum IL-10 concentrations were significantly higher among studied women than control. In women with early endometriosis, significantly increased concentration of IL-10 in peritoneal fluid and serum was observed. In conclusions, both increased concentrations of neopterin and IL-10 in the peritoneal fluid and serum suggest an important role of these compounds in pathogenesis of endometriosis and indicate an enhanced macrophage activity in this disease.