RESUMO
PROBLEM: Peripheral counts of CD16(+ ) NK cells have been well characterized in reproductive failure. However, not enough case-control clinical studies have been conducted to establish normal or abnormal CD16(+/-) values in the endometrium. METHOD OF STUDY: Peripheral and endometrial NK cell counts by FACS, IL-6, and VEGF cytokines levels by ELISA were characterized in fertile women and unexplained infertility patients with implantation failures (UI-IF) during implantation window. ROC and correlation analysis were performed. RESULTS: Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC) analysis revealed endometrial CD16(+ ) NK cells, IL-6, and VEGF as good diagnostic parameters for unexplained infertility. Almost half of UI-FI patients showed increased total and CD16(+ ) NK cell counts correlating with decreased levels of endometrial IL-6 and VEGF. No correlation was found with peripheral blood values. CONCLUSION: Increased CD16(+ ) NK cells were associated with IL-6 and VEGF deficiency in a high proportion of UI-IF patients. Testing for these immunomarkers could be a potential tool in infertility diagnosis.
