PIBF expression in the gravid endometrium in early pregnancy loss following assisted reproductive technologies

Abstract

Introduction. Demographic decline is one of the main challenges to modern society. Thus, the problem of early pregnancy loss retains medical and social significance regardless of the way of conception. The endometrium continues to be an underestimated component in the reproduction process, while studies ofthe gravid endometrium are few. The aim of the paper was to evaluate expression of progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) in the gravid endometrium in early pregnancy loss following IVF methods. Materials and methods. Histological and immunohistochemical studies were carried out on samples of products of conception (POCs). Seventy-seven POCs with normal chorionic villi karyotype were collected from women with missed miscarriage of 5–8 weeks of embryohistological term after IVF; the other 15 samples of elective POCs were collected at the same term. We evaluated PIBF expression in glands and stroma of the gravid endometrium compact layer using immunohistochemical method. Results. Morphological features of missed miscarriage after IVF were characterized by violated transformation and decidualization of the gravid endometrium. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased PIBF expression in the experimental groups regardless of endometrial transformation options. It might indicate disturbances in the gravid endometrium and implantation compared to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion. A comprehensive morphological evaluation of POCs with PIBF expression assessment will allow to verify violation of transformational potential of glands and stroma of the gravid endometrium in cases of early pregnancy loss regardless of the way of conception. Keywords: missed abortion, infertility, IVF, progesterone-induced blocking factor, gravid transformation of the endometrium