Macrophage migration inhibitory factor expression in the intrauterine endometrium of women with endometriosis varies with disease stage, infertility status, and pelvic pain.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the concentrations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the eutopic endometrial tissue of women with and without endometriosis.


METHODS
Retrospective study using ELISA to measure MIF concentrations in total endometrial tissue proteins extracts.


METHODS
Gynecology clinic and human reproduction research laboratory.


METHODS
Forty-five women with endometriosis and 25 normal women.


METHODS
Endometrial biopsies were obtained a few days before laparoscopy.


METHODS
Concentrations of MIF in tissue protein extracts.


RESULTS
Levels of MIF were significantly higher in women with endometriosis, increased with disease stage, and were cycle phase dependent. Of note is the significant increase in MIF levels occurring in the midsecretory phase in women with endometriosis as compared with controls, particularly in infertile patients, as well as in the late secretory phase preceding menstruation. Furthermore, MIF levels seemed to be particularly elevated in women with endometriosis who were infertile and who suffered from pelvic pain.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed a significant increase in MIF concentrations in the intrauterine endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis, occurring at specific phases of the menstrual cycle, a relationship between MIF concentrations and disease stage, and a possible role for this factor in endometriosis-associated pain and infertility.
Akoum
Ali
A
Unité d'Endocrinologie de la Reproduction, Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Saint-François d'Assise, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada. ali.akoum@crsfa.ulaval.ca
Metz
Christine N
CN
Al-Akoum
Mahera
M
Kats
Rouslan
R
D000328:Adult; D018450:Disease Progression; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors