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. Results: A total of 53 patients were included in this study. Study group consisted of 33 patients with PCOS. Gene expressions of HOXA-10, HOXA-11, and LIF were significantly lower in patients with PCOS (P < 0.05). 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.