Modulation of immune and inflammatory responses involving selected galectins and selected immune-inflammatory mediators in women with deep endometriosis coexisting with adenomyosis – preliminary study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of functionally active endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, primarily within the peritoneal cavity. Its etiology and pathogenesis remain incompletely understood; however, endometriosis is considered a chronic inflammatory disease associated with immune system dysfunction. Galectins and other mediators of immune and inflammatory responses may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the potential involvement of selected immune and inflammatory mediators in endometriosis by assessing the concentrations of galectin-1 (Gal-1), galectin-3 (Gal-3), galectin-8 (Gal-8), galectin-9 (Gal-9), asprosin, FSTL1, meteorin, neuregulin-4, isthmin 1, SFRP2, and TNF-α in the serum and peritoneal fluid of women with deep infiltrating endometriosis, deep infiltrating endometriosis coexisting with adenomyosis, and adenomyosis. Methods The study included 33 women in whom endometriosis was diagnosed during laparoscopy and subsequently confirmed by histopathological examination. The reference group consisted of 14 women without endometriosis. Blood serum and peritoneal fluid samples were collected, and the concentrations of the investigated parameters were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results In patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis coexisting with adenomyosis, alterations in the detectability of Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9 were observed, suggesting a potential involvement of these galectins in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Differences in the concentrations of asprosin, FSTL1, and TNF-α were also observed in this group, suggesting a possible association of these parameters with the inflammatory environment accompanying the disease. Conclusions The observed alterations in Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9 levels in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis coexisting with adenomyosis may indicate their involvement in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Differences in the concentrations of asprosin, FSTL1, and TNF-α suggest their potential association with the inflammatory environment of the disease. Further studies in larger cohorts are needed to determine the biological and clinical significance of these parameters and their potential interactions.
Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology
Institution: Medical University of Silesia
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7221699736