Iron and copper disruption in endometriosis among infertile women has been investigated. Their role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis has also been studied.
Methods
Blood and peritoneal fluid samples were collected from women undergoing laparoscopy. The studied group included 24 infertile women with endometriosis, while 14 women with unexplained infertility represented the control group.
Results
Iron and copper concentrations were estimated. Serum iron levels were significantly lower in infertile endometriotic women compared to the control group. On the other hand, its levels were significantly higher in the peritoneal fluid of infertile endometriotic women than those in controls when they were put side by side. Copper levels were significantly lower in the peritoneal fluid of infertile endometriotic women when measured up to controls. However, there was no significant difference in serum copper levels between the two groups.
Conculsions
Oxidative stress secondary to elevated peritoneal fluid iron, or deficiency of peritoneal copper might play a role in the development and progression of endometriosis, and its related infertility.
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