L-Selectin ligands in human endometrium: comparison of fertile and infertile subjects

L Margarit, Lavinia Margarit, Deyarina González, D Gonzalez, P D Lewis, Paul D. Lewis, L Hopkins, Lynda Hopkins, C. A. Davies, C Davies, R. Steven Conlan, R S Conlan, Lisa Joels, L Joels, J O White
Human Reproduction · 2009 · vol. 24(11) , pp. 2767–2777 · doi:10.1093/humrep/dep247 · PMID:19625313 · PMC2763128 · W2131120200
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MECA-79 and HECA-452 L-selectin ligand expression and GlcNAc6ST-2 levels differed in the secretory endometrium between fertile and infertile women, with reduced GlcNAc6ST-2 and MECA-79 seen in infertile subjects.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: L-selectin ligands, localized to the luminal epithelium at the time of implantation, may support the early stages of blastocyst attachment. We have assessed the expression of two L-selectin ligands, defined by MECA-79 and HECA-452 monoclonal antibodies, and the sulfotransferase GlcNAc6ST-2, involved in generation of L-selectin ligand epitopes, in the secretory phase of the endometrium from fertile and infertile patients. METHODS: Endometrial samples were obtained from 33 fertile, 26 PCOS, 25 endometriosis and 33 patients diagnosed with unexplained infertility. L-selectin ligands and GlcNAc6ST-2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining of uterine epithelium, from fertile and infertile women, demonstrated differential expression of MECA-79 and HECA-452 epitopes. In fertile women in the secretory phase MECA-79 was more strongly expressed, particularly on the lumen, than in infertile women. HECA-452 staining was significantly stronger in the glands in PCOS and endometriosis patients than in fertile women. GlcNAc6ST-2 expression was reduced in infertile patients, correlating with MECA-79 expression. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated significant differences in expression of L-selectin ligands between fertile and infertile women in natural cycles, and could contribute to patient assessment prior to initiating fertility treatment.

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Condition tags

endometriosisinfertility

MeSH descriptors

Endometrium Infertility, Female L-Selectin Adult Antigens, Surface Antigens, Surface Embryo Implantation Endometrium Female Humans Immunohistochemistry Infertility, Female Ligands L-Selectin Membrane Proteins Membrane Proteins Time Factors

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