Background: Human trophoblast invasion and differentiation are essential for
successful pregnancy outcome. The molecular mechanisms; however, are poorly
understood. Interleukin (IL)-11, a cytokine that regulates endometrial epithelial cell
adhesion, trophoblast motility and invasion during implantation, may be involved in
some of these processes. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is one of the key cytokines
in the embryo implantation regulation. The present study aimed to assess the levels of
LIF, IL-11 and IL-11 α receptor gene expression in the endometrium of women
undergoing IVF, and correlate their levels with the IVF pregnancy outcome. Also, the
study aimed to detect any sequence mutation in these three genes among IVF
pregnant and non-pregnant women versus control menstrual blood of fertile women.
Methods: Endometrial tissue biopsies were taken from 15 women undergoing IVF on
the day of oocyte retrieval. The quantitative expression of IL-11, IL-11Rα and LIF
genes were assessed by real time PCR and PCR products were sequenced by DNA
sequencer to detect any DNA sequence changes. Menstrual blood from 10 fertile
women was used as control to compare the DNA sequence versus DNA sequence of
the studied genes in endometrial biopsies. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular
stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) were assessed for enrolled patients by
ELISA. Endometrial thickness was also assessed by pelvic ultrasonography. Results:
No significant difference was detected between quantitative expression of the three
studied genes and pregnancy IVF outcome. Although DNA sequence changes were
found in IL-11 and LIF genes of women with negative pregnancy IVF outcome
compared to women with positive pregnancy IVF outcome. No DNA sequence
changes were detected for IL-11Rα. Other studied parameters (age, LH, FSH, E2 and
endometrial thickness) showed no significant differences or correlation with
quantitative expression of the three studied involved genes. Conclusions: Data
suggested that no significant differences between quantitative expression of IL-11, IL-
11Rα and LIF genes and the IVF pregnancy outcome. The present study may reveal
that changes in IL-11 and LIF genes sequence may contribute in pregnancy IVF
outcome.