en 29062792 <p>Background: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and NK cells have an inter-related role in angiogenesis that is critical for placentation and success of <em>in vitro</em> fertilization. An attempt was made to assess a possible relationship between the two in this study.<br /> Methods: A case control study was performed comparing the serum levels of VEGF-A and its receptor VEGF-R1 with levels of NK cells, activated NK cells and NK cytotoxicity in 62 women with Repeated Implantation Failure (RIF). The healthy control group consisted of 72 women of similar age, without known issues in achieving pregnancy or evidence of autoimmunity. Levels of VEGF-A and VEGF-R1 were quantified by ELISA methods with standard curve interpolation. NK cell subsets were determined with flow cytometry using fluorescent-tagged anti-CD56, anti-CD16, anti-CD3 and anti-CD69. NK cytotoxicity was performed by incubating peripheral blood mononuclear cells and K562 cultured cells with propidium iodide, steroid, intralipid and intravenous immunoglobulin, using previously described methods. Statistical analysis involved Mann-Whitney-U and Spearman&rsquo;s rank correlation testing with p-values defined as &lt;0.05.<br /> Results: It was found that VEGF-A levels were significantly raised in women with RIF compared to healthy controls (362.9<em> vs</em>. 171.6 <em>pg/ml</em>, p&lt;0.0001), with no difference in VEGF-R1 levels between groups (1499 <em>vs.</em> 1202 <em>pg/ml</em>, p=0.4082). There was no correlation between VEGF-A or VEGF-R1 and the absolute levels of circulating NK cells, CD69 activated NK cells or NK cytotoxicity.<br /> Conclusion: The absence of correlation between VEGF-A or VEGF-R1 and NK cells suggests VEGF secretion and regulation is independent of NK cell activity in RIF.</p> NK cell cytotoxicity, Recurrent failed IVF, Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (s-FLT-1), Vascular endothelial growth factor 280 288 https://www.jri.ir/article/706 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/706.pdf Rhea BansalDepartment of Immunology and Allergy, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, United Kingdom1696BrianFordDepartment of Immunology and Allergy, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, United Kingdom1697ShreeBhaskaranDepartment of Immunology and Allergy, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, United Kingdom1698MeenyauThumFertility Clinic, Lister Hospital, London, United Kingdom1699AmolakBansalDepartment of Immunology and Allergy, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, United Kingdomamolak.bansal@esth.nhs.uk1700