Clinical and laboratory parameters and morphological characteristics of the endometrium in women with impaired fat metabolism and failed IVF attempts

Abstract

Objective: To study clinical and laboratory parameters and morphological characteristics of the endometrium in women with impaired fat metabolism and failed IVF attempts.

Materials and methods: Clinical examination, laboratory tests, morphological analysis, and immunohistochemistry of the endometrium were conducted in 76 patients with different BMI, followed up with infertility and failed IVF attempts. Patients were divided into four groups by body mass index (BMI): 1 group – 17 women with overweight, BMI = 25.0 – 29.9 kg/m²; 2 group – 15 women with class I obesity, BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/m²; 3 group – 14 women with class II obesity, BMI 35.0–39.9 kg/m²; and the control group of 30 women with normal weight, BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m².

Results: Clinical and laboratory analysis revealed menstrual irregularities and hormonal imbalance such as hypoestrogenism. Immunohistochemistry of the endometrium found a significant decrease in the expression of ERα and PR receptors in the glands correlated to increasing BMI.

Conclusion: Pregravid preparation of women with increased BMI and failed IVF attempts has to include life-style modification and weight reduction program to restore normal hormonal status and expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, prevention of excessive proliferative processes in the endometrium, and improving endometrial receptivity.

Keywords:

• BMI
• endometrium
• morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics
• IVF program outcomes

Disclosure statement

The authors of the article have no conflicts of interests.

Ethical approval

The research protocol was approved by the Independent Ethical Committee of Clinical Institute for Reproductive Medicine”, LLC (# 06, dated June 4 2018)