Possible Correlation between Urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and Immune Parameters in Patients with Endometriosis

The etiology of endometriosis (EMS) has not been clearly elucidated yet, and that is probably the reason why its diagnostic process is frequently long-lasting and inefficient. Nowadays, the non-invasive diagnostic methods of EMS are still being sought. Our study aimed to assess the serum and peritoneal fluid levels of urocortin 1 (Ucn1) in patients with EMS and healthy women. Moreover, considering the immune background of the disease, the association between Ucn1 and several immune parameters was studied in both groups. We found that the serum Ucn1 level was significantly upregulated in women with EMS compared to healthy patients. Moreover, higher serum Ucn1 levels tended to correspond with more advanced stages of the disease (p = 0.031). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that based on serum Ucn1 levels, it is possible to distinguish deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) from among other EMS types. Together, these results indicate Ucn1 as a possible promising biomarker of EMS: however, not in isolation, but rather to enhance the effectiveness of other diagnostic methods.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the levels of urocortin 1 (Ucn1) in the serum and peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis (EMS) and healthy women, as well as the association between Ucn1 and immune parameters. The findings showed that serum Ucn1 level was significantly higher in women with EMS compared to healthy patients. Moreover, higher serum Ucn1 levels were associated with advanced stages of the disease. Based on serum Ucn1 levels, it is possible to distinguish deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) from other types of EMS. These results suggest that Ucn1 could be a promising biomarker of EMS, but should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods to enhance effectiveness.