Higher interleukin-18 and mannose-binding lectin are present in uterine lumen of patients with unexplained infertility.
The uterine luminal environment was explored with regard to interleukin-18 (IL-18) and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and the possibility that the procedure of flushing the uterine cavity would optimize the physiological initial pseudo-inflammatory uterine reaction. Uterine flushings were performed among 175 IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients at the time of oocyte retrieval and the cycles were compared with a control group matched for age, number of previous attempts and type of assisted reproductive procedure (IVF or ICSI) in which no flushing were performed (n = 175). Samples collected were divided into two groups according to the presence/absence of endometrial cells in samples. IL-18 and MBL expressions were explored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Implantation rates were significantly higher in those patients who underwent the uterine flushing compared with controls (P = 0.04). Luminal concentrations of IL-18 and MBL were higher if endometrial cells were present in flushings, suggesting endometrial origin of the secretion. Both concentrations of MBL and IL-18 were higher in patients with unexplained infertility compared with patients involved in IVF/ICSI for male or tubal infertility (P = 0.005 and 0.02, respectively). The exploration of the endoluminal environment before oocyte retrieval may enhance pregnancy rates and show distinct features in patients with unexplained infertility.
Oger
P
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Poissy St.-Germain en Laye, University UVSQ UPRESS EA 2493, 78300-F Poissy, France.
Bulla
R
R
Tedesco
F
F
Portier
A
A
Dubanchet
S
S
Bailly
M
M
Wainer
R
R
Chaouat
G
G
Lédée
N
N
D000328:Adult; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000378:metabolism*; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000378:metabolism*; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000378:metabolism*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
D020382:Interleukin-18; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin