Effects of hydrosalpinx on pinopodes, leukaemia inhibitory factor, integrin b3 and MUC1 expression in the peri-implantation endometrium

• Published in: European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology 2010-08, Vol.151 (2), p.171-175
• Main Authors: Li, Lu, Xu, Bu-Fang, Chen, Qiu-Ju, Sun, Xiao-Xi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0301-2115
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2010.04.024

Objectives - To compare the expression of pinopodes, LIF, integrin b sub(3) and MUC1 in the peri-implantation endometrium of women with and without hydrosalpinx. Study design - A prospective observational study in an assisted reproductive unit in a university teaching hospital, including 20 women with hydrosalpinx and 21 women without hydrosalpinx. Endometrial biopsies were performed on day LH+7 or +8. The proportion and density of pinopodes were assessed by scanning electron microscopy. LIF, integrin b3 and MUC1 were evaluated with immunohistochemical staining. Results - The proportion and the density of pinopodes were not significantly different between the hydrosalpinx and control groups. The LIF, integrin b sub(3), and MUC1 expression were significantly reduced in both glandular epithelial cells and endometrial lumen of the hydrosalpinx group when compared with those of the control group. The expression of integrin b sub(3) in stromal cells was also significantly lower in the hydrosalpinx group. Conclusions - The proportion and the density of pinopodes in the peri-implantation endometrium were not affected by the presence of hydrosalpinx while LIF, integrin b sub(3) and MUC1 were significantly reduced in patients with hydrosalpinx.