Leukemia inhibitory factor is dysregulated in the endometrium and uterine flushing fluid of patients with adenomyosis during implantation window.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor during the implantation window in endometrial tissue and uterine flushing fluid of patients with adenomyosis differs from that of healthy fertile women.


METHODS
Experimental study using endometrial tissue and uterine flushing fluid.


METHODS
Peking University First Hospital, People's Republic of China.


METHODS
There were 28 patients with adenomyosis and 27 control fertile women.


METHODS
Uterine flushing fluid and endometrial samples were collected during the implantation window, defined as 7 to 9 days after ovulation.


METHODS
Leukemia inhibitory factor levels in uterine flushing fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Leukemia inhibitory factor messenger RNA expression in eutopic endometrium was quantified by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Leukemia inhibitory factor protein expression was evaluated with semiquantitative immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Leukemia inhibitory factor levels were significantly lower in the uterine flushing fluid of patients with adenomyosis with a history of infertility. Leukemia inhibitory factor messenger RNA and protein also were significantly lower in patients with adenomyosis, compared with control. Leukemia inhibitory factor immunostaining intensity was significantly lower in patients with adenomyosis, compared with control.


CONCLUSIONS
Leukemia inhibitory factor is dysregulated in the endometrium and uterine flushing fluid of women with adenomyosis during the implantation window.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Yu
Y
Xiao
Xiao
X
Sun
Xiuli
X
Yang
Jun
J
Zhang
Qing
Q
Xue
Bocen
B
Cai
Yingfang
Y
Zhou
D000328:Adult; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D010060:Ovulation / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013997:Time Factors; D014599:Uterus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D012333:RNA, Messenger