Association of IL-1 and TNF-α Levels in Endometrial Secretion and Success of Embryo Transfer in IVF/ICSI Cycles

Objective: Since some cytokines such as IL1 and TNFα are factors involved in endometrial receptivity ,we have determined the amount of these two factors in endometrial secretion in the eligible individuals and then, study their relationship with the success or failure of pregnancy in IVF/ICSI cycles. Methods & Materials: In this non-randomized descriptive study, 76 women selected for their first IVF/ICSI met the study inclusion criteria. All the patients underwent endometrial secretion aspiration prior to oocyte collection. The level of IL-1and TNF-α were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method using special standard kits. To detect successful implantation and pregnancy patients underwent serum human chorionic gonadotropin measurements and ultrasound evaluation. Results: Of the 76 subjects under study, 33 (43.4%) had positive βHCG and 44 (56.6%) had negative BHCG. Of the patients with positive βHCG, 23 (30.3%) had fetal heart rate in their TVS. Comparison of cytokine levels showed higher concentration of IL1 in the group with successful chemical pregnancy compared to the group with failed pregnancy (p=0.00). However, no significant difference in terms of clinical pregnancy was revealed in IL-1 levels between two groups (p=0.06).when considering TNFα there was no significant difference in the level of TNFα between the two groups either in terms of chemical or clinical pregnancy.(P=08and .0.6 respectively). Conclusion: The current study suggested that higher concentrations of IL-1 in endometrial secretions might be associated with improved endometrial receptivity and IVF outcome. Regarding TNFα no statistically significant differences were seen between the groups with and without successful pregnancy.