Is bacterial vaginosis associated with a pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in endometrial secretions of women undergoing IVF?
The objective of this prospective cohort study was to elucidate whether bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with a pro-inflammatory endometrial secretion cytokine profile and whether there is a relationship between BV and the concentrations of a number of key regulatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. A total of 198 women undergoing IVF treatment were included. Prior to embryo transfer, participants underwent screening for BV according to Nugent criteria by a Gram-stained cervical smear. The concentrations of 17 soluble mediators of human implantation were measured by multiplex immunoassay in endometrial secretions aspirated prior to embryo transfer. Seventeen (8.6%) women had BV (Nugent score >6). Multivariable logistic regression showed a significant positive association between interleukin-beta and the presence of BV (P=0.011; Nugent score >6 versus 6) and a significant negative association between eotaxin and BV (P=0.003). No significant differences were found in the ratios of distinct pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in endometrial secretions from women with or without BV. In conclusion, BV is associated with higher concentrations of interleukin-beta in endometrial secretions compared with women without BV. However, no distinct difference in pro- and anti-inflammatory profiles is present. An effect on endometrial receptivity is unlikely.
Boomsma
Carolien M
CM
Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. c.m.boomsma@umcutrecht.nl
Kavelaars
Annemieke
A
Bozkurt
Nuray
N
Eijkemans
Marinus J C
MJ
Fauser
Bart C J M
BC
Heijnen
Cobi J
CJ
Macklon
Nick S
NS
D000328:Adult; D018925:Chemokines; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*
D018925:Chemokines; D016207:Cytokines