Comparative assessment of intracellular cytokine production by endometrial lymphocytes in thin endometrium and Asherman’s syndrome

ABSTRACT

Objective. During in vitro fertilization and embryo implantation, the thick­ness of the endometrium plays a crucial role in successful pregnancies. Im­munocompetent cells and their cytokines influence these processes signifi­cantly. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between trophoblast implantation failures, endometrial thickness, cytotoxic lymphocyte pres­ence, and cytokine production.
Materials and Methods. Patients with recurrent miscarriages and failed im­plantations underwent screening via ultrasonography, biopsy, karyotyping, and histological studies. Immunocompetent cells were isolated from endome­trial tissue through homogenization and centrifugation. Flow cytofluorometry using specific monoclonal antibodies assessed cell markers and cytokine levels.
Results. Patients diagnosed with thin endometrial syndrome consistently exhibited an average endometrial thickness of 6 mm, indicating a common feature in cases of non-pregnancy. Cytotoxic lymphocytes expressing CD8, CD16, and CD56 receptors were present but significantly reduced in num­ber compared to controls. Synthesized cytokine levels, particularly interleu­kin-1 and gamma interferon, were markedly lower in thin endometrial syn­drome, with interleukin-10 showing reduced levels correlating with failed foetal implantation and recurrent pregnancy loss.
Conclusions. The findings highlight the dysfunction of immunocompetent cells in thin endometrium, suggesting these parameters as potential prog­nostic markers for non-pregnancy in clinical settings.