Excessive ovarian response is associated with increased expression of interleukin-2 in the periimplantation endometrium.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare in vivo expression of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines in the peri-implantation endometrium of infertile patients between natural and stimulated cycles.


METHODS
An observational study.


METHODS
A tertiary assisted reproduction center.


METHODS
Infertile patients.


METHODS
Uterine flushings and endometrial biopsies were collected 7 days after LH surge in natural cycles or after hCG injection in stimulated cycles.


METHODS
T helper type 1 cytokines were determined by immunolocalization and by ELISA.


RESULTS
Natural cycles were classified as group A (n = 17), whereas stimulated cycles with peak serum E(2) of <or=20,000 pmol/L (moderate responders) and with peak serum E(2) of >20,000 pmol/L (excessive responders) were classified as group B (n = 32) and group C (n = 32), respectively. Higher serum E(2) concentration was associated with increased expressions of interleukin (IL)-2 in the endometrium and uterine flushing. Group C demonstrated a statistically significantly higher IL-2 expression in endometrial biopsies by glandular and stromal immunostaining and by ELISA, compared with group A and group B. There was no difference in IL-2 concentration between group A and group B. Interferon-gamma protein concentration was comparable for the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased expression of IL-2 in the peri-implantation endometrium may account for the lower implantation rate in excessive responders.
Makkar
Guneet
G
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
Ng
Ernest Hung Yu
EH
Yeung
William Shu Biu
WS
Ho
Pak Chung
PC
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D016471:Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000378:metabolism; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology
C508594:IL2 protein, human; D007376:Interleukin-2; D007371:Interferon-gamma