Human decidua-associated protein (hDP) 200 identified as a monoclonal rheumatoid factor is not an acute phase reactant

Problem: The role of human decidua associated protein (hDP) 200, identified as a monoclonal rheumatoid factor, has not been determined yet. This study examines if this protein, being an immunoglobulin, participates in the inflammatory processes involving the uterus. Method: Uterine fluid samples were obtained prospectively from two groups of women: the study group, containing 26 women with laparoscopically verified pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and the control group, containing 34 regularly cycling, fertile women, referred to the Family Planning Clinic. Uterine fluid sampling was performed once in each patient, and the concentration of uterine fluid hDP 200 was determined by double site ELISA, by using the monoclonal antibody DEC 21. Results: A statistically significant decrease in uterine fluid hDP 200 concentration was observed in women with pelvic inflammatory disease as compared to regularly cycling fertile women (P < 0.00004). The hDP 200 levels in women with PID ranged from 10 to 1,000 mU/ml, with no difference in hDP 200 concentration among intra-uterine device (IUD) users as compared to non-users. Conclusion: This study supports the concept that hDP 200, identified as a monoclonal rheumatoid factor existing locally in the uterus, is not an acute phase reactant but is probably involved in the reproduction process.