Association of Interleukin-8 Levels with the Development of Uterine Leiomyomas

Abstract

Objective: To find out the relationship between Uterine Leiomyoma and IL-8 levels. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of 100 females (age ranging from 25-50 years) including 50 ultrasound confirmed cases of uterine leiomyomas and 50 healthy controls for a duration of 6 months. Levels of plasma IL-8 were measured by ELISA technique. Results: Irregular menstrual cycle was reported in about 44% of cases and 11% of controls. Mean number of fibroids in females was two. 54% of women were found to have small (<2cm) sized fibroids while 46% had large sized fibroids. Out of these 78% were intramural and 22% were sub-serosal type of fibroids. Plasma levels of IL-8 were positively correlated (p=0.001) with Uterine Leiomyomas. Conclusion: IL-8 levels are significantly higher in patients with uterine leiomyomas depicting a positive correlation between IL-8 and the development of fibroids. However, further studies are required to better understand the role of IL-8 in the development of fibroids.