Natural killer cell activity and cytokines levels in peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-9448.2001.03.015

Abstract：Objective 　To study the change and significance of natural killer cell (NK cell)activity, interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-8(IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels in peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis. Methods 32 patients with endometriosis were divided into two groups(mild group: 13,stageⅠ or Ⅱ; severe group: 19,stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ ). 21 controls were also included. The NK cell activity and levels of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α in peritoneal fluid were measured by radioisotope method or enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Results The NK cell activity in peritoneal fluid from two endometriosis groups was significantly lower than that in controls (P＜0.01), and NK cell activity of severe group was significantly lower than that of mild group.The concentrations of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α were significantly higher in two endometriosis groups than those in controls (P＜0.01), with significant differences between two endometriosis groups (P＜0.01).Conclusions The immune function of peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis is impaired. The NK cell activity is lower,the levels of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α are higher. The clinical stage of endometriosis is positively correlated to cytokine level and negatively correlated to NK cell activily. They may participate in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.