Evaluation of endometrial receptivity by measuring HOXA-10, HOXA-11, and leukemia inhibitory factor expression in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an important cause of infertility. In women with PCOS have increased rate of spontaneous abortion and reduced rate of conception. HOXA-10 and HOXA-11 are proteinous products of homeobox gene group and play an important role during implantation. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate endometrial receptivity by measuring HOXA-10, HOXA-11, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) gene expressions in women with PCOS. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A tertiary referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on reproductive age women with abnormal uterine bleeding without sonographically proven anatomical reason. Endometrial sampling procedures were done in proliferative phase using low-pressure endometrial suction device to exclude endometrial pathology. HOXA-10, HOXA-11, and LIF gene expressions were measured from endometrial sampling material. Blood sample was taken to measure serum estradiol level on the day of endometrial sampling. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study results showed that in patients with PCOS have decreased gene expression of HOXA-10, HOXA-11, and LIF which might contribute PCOS-related infertility.