Alteration In Endometrial Helper T-Cell Subgroups In Chronic Endometritis

Problem The effect of chronic endometritis (CE) on the subpopulation of CD4(+) T cells, Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells in the endometrium is unknown.Method of study Lymphocytes were isolated from the endometrium of CE patients (n = 12) and non-CE patients (n = 7). The CD4(+) T-cell profile was analyzed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.Results In the endometrium of CE patients, there were significantly more Th1 cells among CD4(+) cells and fewer Th2 cells in comparison to non-CE patients. No marked difference was observed in Th17 cells or Foxp3(+) Treg cells. Moreover, the proportion of Th1 cells increased and the proportion of Th2 cells decreased as the number of CD138(+) cells increased. Furthermore, when the localization of CD138(+) cells and CD4(+) cells was examined, CD4(+) cells were found to be clustered around CD138(+) cells in CE patients.Conclusion The CD4(+) T-cell profile in the endometrium is altered in women with CE. This finding may help to clarify the pathophysiology and development of treatment methods for CE.