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CD4(+) CD25(high) Foxp3(+) cells increased in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis
Sergio Podgaec1, Luiz Vicente Rizzo, Luiz Flavio Cordeiro Fernandes
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil. sergiopodgaec@me.com
Problem:
To evaluate CD4(+) CD25(high) Foxp3(+) cells and IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and TGF-β in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.
Method Of Study:
A total of ninety-eight patients were studied: endometriosis (n = 70) and control (n = 28). First, peritoneal fluid lymphocytes were isolated, and CD4(+) CD25(high) cells were identified using flow cytometry. Then, RT-PCR was performed to verify Foxp3 expression in these cells. Also, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and TGF-β concentration was determined.
Results:
Of all the lymphocytes in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis, 36.5% (median) were CD4(+) CD25(high) compared to only 1.15% (median) in the control group (P < 0.001). Foxp3 expression was similarly elevated in patients with the disease compared to those without (median, 50 versus 5; P < 0.001). IL-6 and TGF-β were higher in endometriosis group (IL-6: 327.5 pg/mL versus 195.5 pg/mL; TGF-β: 340 pg/mL versus 171.5 pg/mL; both P < 0.001). IL-10 and IL-17 showed no significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusion:
The peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis had a higher percentage of CD4(+) CD25(high) Foxp3(+) cells and also higher levels of IL-6 and TGF-β compared to women without the disease. These findings suggest that CD4(+) CD25(high) Foxp3(+) cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
