Association between vitamin D levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) with endometriosis

Abstract

Background and aim: Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pain and fertility problems. Oxidative stress plays an important role in its pathogenesis, characterized by an increase in free radicals and a decrease in antioxidant activity. SOD functions as the main defense against free radicals, while MDA reflects the level of oxidative damage. In addition, vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may be related to the development of endometriosis. The Aim of this study is to determine the relationship between vitamin D, SOD, and MDA levels and endometriosis. Methods: A descriptive analytic case–control study was conducted involving 86 women of reproductive age, consisting of patients with histopathologically confirmed endometriosis and controls without endometriosis. Venous blood samples were collected to measure serum vitamin D, SOD, and MDA levels using ELISA. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Vitamin D levels were lower in endometriosis compared to controls (16.4 ng/mL vs. 20.4 ng/mL; p = 0.003). SOD levels were also lower in endometriosis compared to controls (28.1 ng/mL vs. 39.6 ng/mL; p = 0.001). MDA levels were higher in endometriosis compared to controls (29.1 ng/mL vs. 22.7 ng/mL; p = 0.024). Vitamin D deficiency was more common in endometriosis than in controls (58.2% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.04). MDA level of 24.1 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 62.0% and specificity of 60.5% in diagnosing endometriosis. Conclusions: Patients with endometriosis have lower vitamin D levels, decreased superoxide dismutase, and increased oxidative stress, specifically malondialdehyde.

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