Tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion by peritoneal macrophages in patients with endometriosis

Introduction As a cytotoxic product of activated monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)—together with other cytokines and growth factors—is an important component in the immune response of the human organism. In addition, TNF-α plays a central role in neoangiogenesis. Because of its cytotoxicity with regard to several tumor cells and its motility-hindering effect on human sperm, TNF-α is considered to be a significant pelvic mediator of female sterility.