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

Objective To evaluate interleukin (IL)-1 & beta;, 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-1 & beta;, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (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-1 & beta; and IL-6 with VAS score. A significant difference in peritoneal IL-1 & beta; 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. Conclusions 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.