Leukemia inhibiting factor expression (LIF) in the endometrium of fertile and infertile women throughout different menstrual phases

Abstract

Leukemia inhibiting factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine with effect on the growth promotion and cell differentiation. P53 regulated LIF has been shown to facilitate implantation in the mouse model. It is suggested that LIF might help to improve the implantation rate in women with unexplained infertility. Aim To demonstrate the expression of LIF in different endometrial locations and compare it in fertile and infertile women. Study design Immunohistochemical expression of LIF of endometrial specimens from 25 healthy fertile women and 25 cases with unexplained infertility in different locations within endometrial tissue, i.e., luminal, glandular and stromal, was done. Results In cases of fertility, LIF expression varied according to the phase of menstrual cycle. Secretory endometrium expressed significantly higher LIF than proliferative endometrium with maximum expression in the midsecretory phase. In cases of infertility, the endometrium showed lower LIF expression during different phases of menstrual cycle in comparison with fertile group. Conclusion LIF plays a role in implantation and supports the endometrial functions. Deregulation of this cytokine may be a cause of unexplained infertility. Leukemia inhibiting factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine with effect on the growth promotion and cell differentiation. P53 regulated LIF has been shown to facilitate implantation in the mouse model. It is suggested that LIF might help to improve the implantation rate in women with unexplained infertility. To demonstrate the expression of LIF in different endometrial locations and compare it in fertile and infertile women. Immunohistochemical expression of LIF of endometrial specimens from 25 healthy fertile women and 25 cases with unexplained infertility in different locations within endometrial tissue, i.e., luminal, glandular and stromal, was done. In cases of fertility, LIF expression varied according to the phase of menstrual cycle. Secretory endometrium expressed significantly higher LIF than proliferative endometrium with maximum expression in the midsecretory phase. In cases of infertility, the endometrium showed lower LIF expression during different phases of menstrual cycle in comparison with fertile group. LIF plays a role in implantation and supports the endometrial functions. Deregulation of this cytokine may be a cause of unexplained infertility.