Endometrial release of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and endometriosis: Relationship to the extent of the disease

Objective: To relate endometrial release of the soluble form of intercellul ar adhesion molecule 1 with extent of endometriosis. Methods: Samples of endometrium were collected from 23 women with endometri osis. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 was quantified in condition ed medium from 48-hour endometrial stromal cell cultures with use of a spec ific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels were correlated with revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification score for adhesi ons, implants, and cysts and total score; number of endometriotic implants; cyst diameter; and presence or absence of pelvic pain symptoms and previou s surgical procedures for endometriosis. Results: Endometrial release of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 d irectly correlated with number of implants (P = .64, P < .005) and score fo r implants (r = .61, P < .005). There was no significant correlation betwee n levels of: the soluble molecule and score for adhesions or total score. S oluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 shed by endometrium did not correl ate with the score for ovarian cysts, although an inverse relationship was found with ovarian cyst diameter (r = -0.52 P < .05). No differences were d etected between women who had pelvic pain and those who did not and between those who had previous surgery for endometriosis and those who had not. Conclusion: The association between endometrial release of soluble intercel lular adhesion molecule 1 and the number and score of endometriotic implant s suggests that the molecule might be of value in evaluating spread potenti al of refluxed endometrium. (Obstet Gynecol 2000;95:115-8 (C) 2000 by The A merican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.).