Oily contrast medium as a therapeutic agent for infertility because of mild endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of using oily contrast medium (Lipiodol; Kodama, Tokyo, Japan) to treat infertility because of mild endometriosis. DESIGN: Macrophages in the peritoneal cavity of ICR mice (Japan SLC, Shizuoka, Japan) were induced by administering OK-432 to simulate the condition of the peritoneal cavity of patients with mild endometriosis, and the pregnancy rate was examined after administration of Lipiodol and/or danazol (Bonzol; Tokyo Tanabe, Tokyo, Japan). Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), prostaglandin (PG)F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), and PGE2 levels in the supernatant were measured after incubating macrophages of mice with Lipiodol and/or danazol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pregnancy rate (PR) and IL-1 beta, PGF2 alpha, and PGE2 levels. RESULTS: The PR of the Lipiodol group was significantly increased compared with that in control mice. Prostaglandin F2 alpha level in the supernatant was significantly increased, whereas that of IL-1 beta was reduced after incubation with Lipiodol. CONCLUSIONS: Lipiodol may elevate PGF2 alpha level and reduce IL-1 beta level in the peritoneal cavity, and this drug may increase the PR of ICR mice.