The levels of nitric oxide and asymmetric dimethylarginine in the rat endometriosis model

Aim: To investigate the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in all the rat endometriosis models. Material & Methods: Forty-one rats with endometriotic implants were divided into four groups (1 to 4) and administered infliximab, etanercept, letrozole and control, respectively. There were 11 rats in group 5 (normal). The size of implants, plasma ADMA and nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels and histological score were assessed. Results: In groups 1, 2 and 3, plasma ADMA levels were higher than groups 4 and 5, 296.8 +/- 66.2, 285.9 +/- 35.7, 200.3 +/- 41.0, 125.3 +/- 16.7, 111.3 +/- 6.5 mu mol/L, respectively, while NOx levels were lower than groups of control and normal 19.6 +/- 3.8, 19.8 +/- 4.4, 39.3 +/- 6.1, 80.5 +/- 5.3, and 91.1 +/- 5.0 mu mol/L, respectively. Conclusions: Infliximab, etanercept and letrozole have regressed endometriotic implants, decreased plasma NOx levels, and increased plasma ADMA levels.