Levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis-related biomarkers in endometriosis

Abstract Öz Purpose: In this study, the apoptosis marker M30, the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde, (MDA) and asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) have been studied in the context of endometriosis. Materials and Methods: This prospective case-control study comprises 31 patients diagnosed with endometriosis and 31 controls. ADMA and M30 levels in blood serum were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and MDA levels were measured by the spectrophotometric method. In addition, some biochemical parameters and cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) levels were also measured. Results: M30 levels were statistically lower in endometriosis patients (271.5 IU/L) than in controls (371.3 IU/L). ADMA levels were higher in endometriosis patients (19.3 ng/L) compared to controls (12.7 ng/L). CA-125 levels were statistically higher in the endometriosis patients (65.1 U/mL) compared to the controls (19.0 U/mL). There was no significant difference between the two groups in MDA levels. The results regarding dyspareunia, pelvic pain, AST, and ALP were statistically significant. Conclusion: In our study, decreased M30 levels in the patient group were associated with reduced apoptosis in endometriosis. ADMA levels, elevated with the increase of oxidative stress, were higher in the patients. MDA levels, an indicator of increased oxidative stress, were also higher in the patient group. This study constitutes the first data regarding endometriosis patients' ADMA, M30, and MDA levels.