Serum levels of anti-carbonic anhydrase antibodies and erythrocyte oxidative stress markers in endometriosis

Aim: To evaluate the serum levels of anti-carbonic anhydrase I-II antibodies and erythrocyte oxidative stress markers in endometriosis. Method: This case-control laboratory investigation was performed in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary center. Serum anti-carbonic anhydrase I and II antibodies and erythrocyte oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) were compared with control group (n = 30) in the endometriosis group (n = 33). Correlation between carbonic anhydrase autoantibodies and oxidative stress markers were tested. Results: Serum levels of anti-carbonic anhydrase II antibodies were found to be significantly increased in the endometriosis group compared to controls. The erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) and malondialdehyde levels in erythrocytes were increased in endometriosis group; but only glutathione peroxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in endometriosis group. No correlation was detected between anti-carbonic anhydrase antibodies and oxidative stress markers. Conclusions: Our results indicate that erythrocyte oxidative stress and anti-carbonic anhydrase antibodies may be involved in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.