Correlation between overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in occluded fallopian tubes and postsurgical pregnancy among infertile women

ObjectiveTo compare the expression profiles of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and its receptors in occluded tubes of infertile women with those of control patients and to evaluate the potential correlation with postsurgical pregnancy outcome.MethodsThe expression profiles of TGF-β1, TGF-β1R1, and TGF-β1R2 in occluded fallopian tubes were compared using immunohistochemistry between 60 infertile patients with adhered tubes and 60 control patients with normal tubes; potential correlations with postsurgical fertility were evaluated at 2-year follow up.ResultsImmunostainings of TGF-β1, TGF-β1R1, and TGF-β1R2 were all significantly elevated in patients with adhered tubes compared with normal specimens (P < 0.001). In adhered specimens, correlation analyses showed positive correlations between TGF-β1 and TGF-β1R1 (P = 0.008), and TGF-β1 and TGF-β1R2 (P = 0.035). At 2-year follow up, 32 of the 60 infertile women had achieved normal pregnancies, 5 had had ectopic pregnancies, and 23 remained infertile. Correlation analysis showed that TGF-β1 expression level was negatively correlated with pregnancy outcome (r = –0.445, P < 0.001), independent of adhesion severity or patient age.ConclusionTGF-β1 expression was independently correlated with the postsurgical pregnancy outcome among infertile women.