Effects of hydrosalpinx on pinopodes, leukaemia inhibitory factor, integrin beta3 and MUC1 expression in the peri-implantation endometrium.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the expression of pinopodes, LIF, integrin beta(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 beta3 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 beta(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 beta(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 beta(3) and MUC1 were significantly reduced in patients with hydrosalpinx.