Review of the literature on corpus luteum insufficiency in women (2015–2020) and in domestic animals (1980–2020) / Revisión bibliográfica sobre la insuficiencia del cuerpo lúteo en la mujer (años 2015-2020) y en animales domésticos (años 1980-2020)

The corpus luteum (CL) is a transitory endocrine structure found in female mammals which secretes progesterone (P4), rendering the endometrium secretory and thus facilitating embryo implantation in the uterus. CL insufficiency (CLI) is defined as a condition in which CL P4 cannot maintain the endometrium and gestation, causing infertility and pregnancy loss. The present study aimed to compare specific aspects related to CLI in humans and domestic animals to identify its main aetiological differences and those related to treatment of the condition in different species.

El cuerpo lúteo (CL) es una estructura endocrina transitoria que se encuentra en las hembras de mamíferos y que secreta progesterona (P4), volviendo al endometrio secretor y facilitando así la implantación del embrión en el útero. La insuficiencia de CL se define como una condición en la que CL P4 no es capaz de mantener el endometrio y la gestación, provocando infertilidad y pérdida del embarazo. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar aspectos específicos relacionados con la insuficiencia del CL en humanos y animales domésticos con el fin de identificar sus principales diferencias etiológicas y las relacionadas con el tratamiento de dicha condición en distintas especies.

Analysis of CTLA4 gene variant in infertile Brazilian women with and without endometriosis.

An autoimmune aetiology has been suggested for endometriosis mostly on the basis of an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases in affected women. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA) 4 gene is recognized as a primary determinant for autoimmunity, since specific polymorphisms have been associated with predisposition to most autoimmune disorders. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate CTLA4 polymorphism (+49A/G) in a group of infertile women with and without endometriosis and controls. Case-control study comprising 244 infertile women (177 with endometriosis and 67 without endometriosis) and 172 fertile women as controls. CTLA4 polymorphism was identified by qPCR. The results were analysed statistically and a P-value <0.05 was considered significant. We found relatively similar CTLA4 polymorphisms genotype frequencies in women with and without endometriosis and controls (P=0.158 and P=0.262, respectively). When the patients with minimal/mild endometriosis and moderate/severe endometriosis were studied separately, no difference was also found related to controls (P=0.560 and P=0.11, respectively). The data suggest that the CTLA4 polymorphism is not associated with endometriosis and/or infertility in Brazilian women.