Expression of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor in Luteal Middle Phase Endometrium of Infertile Women with Endometriosis

Objective: To evaluate the possible role of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in infertile women with endometriosis. Methods: By immunohistochemical analysis and in situ hybridization,the LIF mRNA and protein expressions were determined and semi-quantitatively analyzed in luteal middle phase endometrium of infertile women with endometriosis. Data was compared with 15 normal fertile women without endometriosis in control group. Results: Mean optical density of LIF mRNA and LIF protein was significant lower in endometriosis group than in the control group. Conclusion: Expression of LIF in luteal middle phase endometrium of infertile women with endometriosis is reduced and it may be a possible cause of infertility with endometriosis.