High expression of L-selectin ligand in secretory endometrium is associated with better endometrial receptivity and facilitates embryo implantation in human being.
OBJECTIVE
L-selectin ligand has displayed mediating adhesion at the maternal-fetal interface. Therefore, we investigated the impact of L-selectin ligand on establishing pregnancy in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).


METHODS
Endometrium between cycle days LH +6 to +9 was obtained from 56 Chinese women referred for IVF and tested for L-selectin ligand by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The standard gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol was used for ovarian stimulation.


RESULTS
L-selectin ligand was localized in the endometrial gland and luminal epithelial cells. Western blot analysis of endometrium identified four bands and levels of component 1, 2 and 4 were significantly higher in the pregnancy group than in the non-pregnancy group (P < 0.05). Clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were higher in patients with high level L-selectin ligand compared with those with low level (53.6%versus 25.0%, and 27.1%versus 12.1%, respectively, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of higher level L-selectin ligand was associated with a better pregnancy outcome.
Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 2 Xue Shi Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Bo
B
Wang
Jian-Zhong
JZ
Sheng
Rong-Huan
RH
He
Yu-Li
YL
Qian
Fan
F
Jin
He-Feng
HF
Huang
D000328:Adult; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019041:L-Selectin / Q000378:metabolism*; D008024:Ligands; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy
D008024:Ligands; D019041:L-Selectin; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone