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Endometrial CD 16 + and CD 16 − NK Cell Count in Fertility and Unexplained Infertility
Author(s) -
Junovich Gisela,
Azpiroz Agustina,
Incera Eugenia,
Ferrer Constanza,
Pasqualini Agustin,
Gutierrez Gabriela
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/aji.12132
Subject(s) - unexplained infertility , infertility , cd16 , endometrium , medicine , natural killer cell , immunology , andrology , gynecology , biology , pregnancy , antigen , cytotoxic t cell , cd3 , biochemistry , genetics , cd8 , in vitro
Problem Peripheral counts of CD 16 + NK cells have been well characterized in reproductive failure. However, not enough case‐control clinical studies have been conducted to establish normal or abnormal CD 16 +/− values in the endometrium. Method of study 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 CD 16 + NK cells, IL ‐6, and VEGF as good diagnostic parameters for unexplained infertility. Almost half of UI ‐ FI patients showed increased total and CD 16 + NK cell counts correlating with decreased levels of endometrial IL ‐6 and VEGF . No correlation was found with peripheral blood values. Conclusion Increased CD 16 + 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.