title: Endometrial CD16(+) and CD16(-) NK cell count in fertility and unexplained infertility.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Peripheral counts of CD16(+ ) NK cells have been well characterized in reproductive failure. However, not enough case-control clinical studies have been conducted to establish normal or abnormal CD16(+/-)  values in the endometrium.
  
  
  METHODS
  Peripheral and endometrial NK cell counts by FACS, IL-6, and VEGF cytokines levels by ELISA were characterized in fertile women and unexplained infertility patients with implantation failures (UI-IF) during implantation window. ROC and correlation analysis were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC) analysis revealed endometrial CD16(+ ) NK cells, IL-6, and VEGF as good diagnostic parameters for unexplained infertility. Almost half of UI-FI patients showed increased total and CD16(+ ) NK cell counts correlating with decreased levels of endometrial IL-6 and VEGF. No correlation was found with peripheral blood values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increased CD16(+ ) NK cells were associated with IL-6 and VEGF deficiency in a high proportion of UI-IF patients. Testing for these immunomarkers could be a potential tool in infertility diagnosis.
authors: Halitus Medical Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors: Gisela
authors: G
authors: Junovich
authors: Agustina
authors: A
authors: Azpiroz
authors: Eugenia
authors: E
authors: Incera
authors: Constanza
authors: C
authors: Ferrer
authors: Agustin
authors: A
authors: Pasqualini
authors: Gabriela
authors: G
authors: Gutierrez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000276:immunology; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D017452:Receptors, IgG / Q000378:metabolism*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: C428200:FCGR3B protein, human; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; C508600:IL6 protein, human; D015850:Interleukin-6; D017452:Receptors, IgG; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
keywords: IL-6; Implantation failure; NK cells; VEGF; unexplained infertility