Molecular and immunohistochemical evaluation of CD56 gene expression and uNK cell density in endometrial polyps

OpenAlex İngilizce

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the the percentage of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and the expression level of CD56 (NCAM1) in endometrial polyps. Materials and Methods: Endometrial tissue samples were obtained from women aged 18–40 years, including 50 with polyps and 50 controls. Samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR (qPCR). CD56-positive uNK cells were quantified by immunostaining, and gene expression was assessed using the 2-ΔΔCt method. Results: CD56 expression was significantly higher in the control group than in the polyp group (mean Ct values: control ≈ 32; polyp ≈ 27). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the median percentage of CD56+ cells was 15.2% (range 5.4–24.8%) in the control group and 9.8% (range 2.1–19.7%) in the polyp group. Conclusion: Endometrial polyps were associated with a significant reduction in CD56 gene expression and uNK cell percentage. These findings indicate a disruption of the local immune microenvironment, which may help explain the negative impact of polyps on fertility and endometrial receptivity.