Alteration in endometrial helper T‐cell subgroups in chronic endometritis
Jun Kitazawa, Fuminori Kimura, Akiko Nakamura, Aina Morimune, Tetsuro Hanada, Tsukuru Amano, Shunichiro Tsuji, Kyoko Kasahara, Hiroki Satooka, Takako Hirata, Ryoji Kushima, Takashi Murakami
Abstract
Abstract 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.