Serum IL-6 level may have role in the pathophysiology of unexplained infertility

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 of women with unexplained infertility with fertile subjects. Serum IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels of 45 infertile and 44 fertile women on day 3 of menstrual cycle were assessed and compared for this prospective controlled study. The mean serum IL-6 level was significantly higher in women with unexplained infertility, compared with fertile women (5.71 ± 1.81 and 4.31 ± 1.79, P < 0.001, Student's t-test). There was no significant difference in TNF-α level among the groups. Significant difference in serum IL-6 levels between unexplained infertile and fertile women suggests that this cytokine may be involved in pathophysiology of unexplained infertility. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.