IL-8 and IL-12p70 are associated with pelvic pain among infertile women with endometriosis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid in women related to infertility and pelvic pain. Methods Eighty-seven women were diagnosed with endometriosis or cases related to infertility. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid were determined by ELISA. Pain assessment was evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. Results Serum IL-6 and IL-12p70 levels increased in women with endometriosis compared to the control group. Serum and peritoneal IL-8 and IL-12p70 levels correlated with VAS scores in infertile women. A positive correlation was also found between peritoneal IL-1β and IL-6 with VAS score. A significant difference in peritoneal IL-1β levels was associated with menstrual pelvic pain, while peritoneal IL-8 levels were related to dyspareunia, menstrual, and post-menstrual pelvic pain in infertile women. Conclusion An association of IL-8 and IL-12p70 levels were related to pain in endometriosis, as well as a relationship between cytokine expression and VAS score. Further studies should be addressed to investigate the precise mechanism of cytokine-related pain in endometriosis.

Association of Four Interleukin-8 Polymorphisms (−251 A>T, +781 C>T, +1633 C>T, +2767 A>T) with Ovarian Cancer Risk: Focus on Menopausal Status and Endometriosis-Related Subtypes

“…IL-8 is the best-studied chemokine related to endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting around 10% of women [27,28]. Serum and peritoneal IL-8 levels correlate with disease severity [28] and endometriosis-associated pain [29]. Inhibition of IL-8 can improve inflammation and fibrosis in endometriosis [30].…”