Higher interleukin-18 and mannose-binding lectin are present in uterine lumen of patients with unexplained infertility

Pierre Oger, Roberta Bulla, Francesco Tedesco, A Portier, Sylvie Dubanchet, M. Bailly, Robert Wainer, G. Chaouat, Nathalie Lédée
In: Reproductive BioMedicine Online · 2009 · vol. 19(4) , pp. 591–598 · doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2009.05.011 · PMID:19909603 · W2070921865
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Uterine flushings from unexplained infertility patients had higher interleukin-18 and mannose-binding lectin, while uterine flushing before oocyte retrieval improved implantation rates.

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Abstract

The uterine luminal environment was explored with regard to interleukin-18 (IL-18) and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and the possibility that the procedure of flushing the uterine cavity would optimize the physiological initial pseudo-inflammatory uterine reaction. Uterine flushings were performed among 175 IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients at the time of oocyte retrieval and the cycles were compared with a control group matched for age, number of previous attempts and type of assisted reproductive procedure (IVF or ICSI) in which no flushing were performed (n = 175). Samples collected were divided into two groups according to the presence/absence of endometrial cells in samples. IL-18 and MBL expressions were explored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Implantation rates were significantly higher in those patients who underwent the uterine flushing compared with controls (P = 0.04). Luminal concentrations of IL-18 and MBL were higher if endometrial cells were present in flushings, suggesting endometrial origin of the secretion. Both concentrations of MBL and IL-18 were higher in patients with unexplained infertility compared with patients involved in IVF/ICSI for male or tubal infertility (P = 0.005 and 0.02, respectively). The exploration of the endoluminal environment before oocyte retrieval may enhance pregnancy rates and show distinct features in patients with unexplained infertility.

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infertility

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