Reduced percentage of natural killer cells associated with impaired cytokine network in the secretory endometrium of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate lymphocyte subset distribution in the secretory endometrium from infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the expression of the cytokines known to play a role in determining the endometrial lymphocyte pattern.


METHODS
Experimental clinical study.


METHODS
Outpatient clinic in a university hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-eight patients with PCOS (PCOS group) and 6 fertile patients (control group).


METHODS
On days 22-26 of a spontaneous cycle, subjects underwent endometrial biopsies.


METHODS
In 19 of 28 patients with PCOS and 6 controls with a late secretory endometrium, the percentage and phenotype of lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. In the late secretory endometrium of 11 patients with PCOS and 3 controls, the expression of interleukins 15 and 18 and of chemokine ligand 10 was also analysed by polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
In patients with PCOS the percentage of CD56+/CD16- and of CD56bright/CD16- cells was significantly lower (median [confidence interval]: 38% [31%-52.7%] vs. 63.7% [57.7%-69%] and 17.4% [8%-41.6%] vs. 52% [43%-60%], respectively), whereas the percentage of CD3+ was significantly higher (45% [33.3%-64%] vs. 26.1% [21%-32%]) as compared with controls. Accordingly, polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a significantly lower expression of interleukins 15 and 18 and of chemokine ligand 10 in patients with PCOS than in controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Results demonstrated an abnormal percentage of endometrial lymphocyte subsets, associated with an impaired cytokine network in patients with PCOS. This could explain the poor reproductive potential in these patients.
Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy. matteo.maria@libero.it
Maria
M
Matteo
Gaetano
G
Serviddio
Francesca
F
Massenzio
Giuseppina
G
Scillitani
Laura
L
Castellana
Giuseppe
G
Picca
Francesca
F
Sanguedolce
Mauro
M
Cignarelli
Emanuele
E
Altomare
Pantaleo
P
Bufo
Pantaleo
P
Greco
Arcangelo
A
Liso
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002452:Cell Count; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000473:pathology*; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D053858:Metabolic Networks and Pathways / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult
D016207:Cytokines