Effects of acupuncture on LIF and IL-12 in rats of implantation failure.

PROBLEM

Acupuncture has a positive effect on implantation obstacle, but the mechanism is still not clear, so the aim of the experiment is to explore the possible role that acupuncture plays in implantation.

METHOD OF STUDY

Early pregnant rats were randomized into normal group (N), group treated with mifepristone (M), acupuncture treatment group (A), and progestin treatment group (P). The model of blastocyst implantation obstacle in groups M, A, and P was established with mifepristone. Bilateral 'Housanli' and 'Sanyinjiao' were needled in group A. The expression of interleukin (IL)-12, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), LIFR protein, and mRNA in endometrium were detected.

RESULTS

Positivity of the protein expression of IL-12, LIF, and LIFR in the endometrium was significantly higher in groups N, A, and P; positivity of the mRNA of IL-12 and LIF in the endometrium was significantly higher in groups N, A, and P.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture could improve the poor receptive state of endometrium by promoting LIF and IL-12 secretion to improve blastocyst implantation.