Stem cell factor (SCF) concentrations in peritoneal fluid of women with orwithout endometriosis

PROBLEM: In the quest for possible involvement of stem cell factor (SCF), a cytokine known to have multiple effects, in the pathogenesis of endometrio sis, we evaluated concentrations of SCF in peritoneal fluid (PF) of women w ith or without endometriosis. METHOD OF STUDY: SCF concentrations in PF collected from women undergoing l aparoscopy were measured, using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assa y (ELISA). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysi s to detect gene expression of c-kit, the receptor for SCF, was performed u sing the endometriotic tissue and the eutopic endometrium collected during the operation. RESULTS: SCF concentrations in PF of women with endometriosis were signific antly higher compared to women without endometriosis. Looking at SCF concen trations in PF of women with endometriosis stratified by disease stage, wom en with stage I and II exhibited relatively higher SCF levels in PF, wherea s SCF levels in PF with stage III and IV were comparable with those without endometriosis. The expression of mRNA for c-kit was detected in both the e ndometriotic tissue and the eutopic endometrium. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated an elevation in SCF levels in PF associated wit h endometriosis and the presence of its receptor in endometriotic tissues. Given the known pleiotropic properties of SCF, the present results suggest that SCF might play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.