Role of Interleukin-6 in Diagnosis of Endometriosis: A Review Article

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis, a prevalent inflammatory condition marked by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity, affects a significant proportion of women in their reproductive years. Objective: This review article aims to assess the significance of IL-6 levels in the peritoneal fluid and serum of individuals with endometriosis and evaluate its utility as a non-invasive diagnostic marker for the condition. Methods: We searched Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and other online databases for endometriosis and interleukin 6. The authors also reviewed references from pertinent literature, however only the most recent or comprehensive studies from 2010 to February 2023 were included. Documents in languages other than English were disqualified due to lack of translation-related sources. Papers such as unpublished manuscripts, oral presentations, conference abstracts, and dissertations that were not part of larger scientific studies were excluded. Conclusion: IL-6 plays a critical role in the inflammatory processes associated with endometriosis, demonstrated by elevated levels in the peritoneal fluid of affected individuals. The correlation of IL-6 with disease presence and severity underscores its potential as a biomarker for non-invasive diagnosis, offering a promising avenue for research and clinical application. Further studies are warranted to validate the diagnostic accuracy of IL-6 in endometriosis and explore its implications for patient management and treatment strategies.