Endometrial leukemia inhibitory factor as a predictor of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.12.005
• Publication Date: 2008-03-06T23:04:11Z
• Authors: Paulo Serafini; André M. Rocha; Cyntia T. Osório; Ismael da Silva; Eduardo L. Motta; Edmund C. Baracat
• Keywords: Adult; tissue microarray; endometrial receptivity; endometrial biopsy; Fertilization in Vitro; Luteal Phase; Embryo Transfer; Immunohistochemistry; Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; leukemia inhibitory factor; 3. Good health; Endometrium; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; luteal phase; Predictive Value of Tests; Humans; Female; Prospective Studies; in vitro fertilization

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether there is an association between endometrial expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle preceding in vitro fertilization (IVF) and treatment outcome.MethodsBiopsy specimens from the endometria of 52 women in the luteal phase were immunostained against LIF. Embryo culture and transfer were done according to standard procedures.ResultsClinical pregnancy occurred in 39% of the women following IVF, and strong endometrial immunohistochemical staining for LIF was associated with pregnancy (P = 0.01). The women with a strong LIF expression had a 6.4‐fold higher chance of becoming pregnant than those with weaker intensities (P = 0.005).ConclusionEndometrial expression of LIF during the luteal phase can be used as a predictor of IVF success.