Plasma and urinary levels of lead and cadmium in patients with endometriosis

Purpose: An etiopathogenetic link between heavy metals and endometriosis has been demonstrated both in in-vivo and in-vitro studies, because of their ability to interfere with oestrogen action. The aim of this study was to analyse serum and urinary levels of lead and cadmium among patients suffering from endometriosis. Material and methods: 126 patients undergoing laparoscopy for unexplained infertility were divided in three groups: 80 endometriosis-free women (group A), 22 patients with mild endometriosis (group B), 24 women with severe endometriosis (group C). Main findings: significantly lower Pb plasma levels in group C compared to group B and controls, a nonstatistically significant trend towards higher values of serum Cd levels in patients with endometriosis versus controls, no differences in urinary Cd levels among the studied groups, urinary Pb levels higher in group C versus group B and controls. Conclusions: lower serum lead levels in patients with severe endometriosis compared to controls may indicate a metabolically active role of the endometriotic nodule.