Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease in reproductive age women. Adiponectin and Nitric oxide (NO) have an important role in physiologic functions especially in human reproductive system. Levels of NO increased in the endometriosis patients but serum adiponectin levels decreased in woman with endometriosis. The aim of this study was to determine adiponectin effect on nitric oxide secretion by cultured normal and endometriotic human endometrial stromal cells. In this experimental study, normal (n= 10) and endometriotic endometrial biopsies (n= 10) were taken in sterile condition. Stromal cells isolated and cultured in in DMEM/ F12 medium and treated with adiponectin concentrations (0, 10, 100, and 200 ng/ml) for 24 and 48 hours. NO assay was done on their supernatants by Greiss method. Data was analyzed by one way ANOVA and p<0.05 was considered significant. There was significant difference between endometriosis groups in NO secretion in all dose of adiponectin and time (p<0.05). In normal groups there was significant difference in 48 hours (p<0.05) but no significant change in 24 hours (p>0.05). Adiponectin effects nitric oxide secretion of cultured human endometriotic stromal cells.

KEY WORDS: Adiponectin; Nitric oxide; Endometriosis; Stromal cell.