Leukemia inhibitory factor in human reproduction.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical findings, expressions, interactions, and clinical implications of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in human reproduction.


METHODS
Review of published articles.


METHODS
Clinical development unit of biotechnology company.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
In the endometrium, LIF is expressed in a menstrual cycle-dependent manner, with the highest level occurring at the time of implantation. LIF is also detected in uterine flushing, and its level is significantly lower in women with unexplained infertility. Likewise, endometrial explants derived from women with unexplained infertility showed reduced levels of LIF secretion. Binding of LIF to LIF receptor and gp130 activates signal transduction pathways. LIF receptor is expressed in endometrium, oocytes, and blastocysts. Cytotrophoblasts cultured in the presence of LIF differentiate toward an anchoring extravillous phenotype.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of reports gathered from animal and human studies, LIF appears to play an important role in implantation and in the establishment of pregnancy.
Lass
A
A
Serono International SA, Geneva, Switzerland. amir.lass@serono.com
Weiser
W
W
Munafo
A
A
Loumaye
E
E
D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D053680:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor alpha Subunit; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine / Q000502:physiology*; D053606:Receptors, OSM-LIF; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*
D006131:Growth Inhibitors; D015850:Interleukin-6; C507837:LIF protein, human; C507840:LIFR protein, human; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D053680:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor alpha Subunit; D008222:Lymphokines; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine; D053606:Receptors, OSM-LIF