Review
Reproductive Biology
Erika Elinor Paulson, Pierre Comizzoli
Summary: The review aims to summarize the current data on the mechanisms involved in uterine receptivity and embryo implantation in carnivores and identify research priorities to better understand a key phenomenon in a critical group of mammals.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tiffany Stankewicz, Maria Ruiz-Alonso, Marc Soler-Ibanez, Carlos Simon, Diana Valbuena
Summary: The study found that there is no difference in clinical outcomes between day-5 and day-6 blastocysts when transferred during the optimal endometrial receptivity as determined by ERA. This suggests that both day-5 and day-6 blastocysts have similar clinical potential.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jigal Haas, Robert F. Casper
Summary: This brief review examines the investigation of the endometrial cavity before embryo transfer using various techniques, including hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy, and ultrasound imaging. These investigative tools are currently controversial and require large prospective controlled trials for validation. Retained embryos during embryo transfer do not appear to have a negative impact on pregnancy outcome, and physical activity immediately after embryo transfer has no impact on pregnancy outcome, according to consistent data.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Zhou, Ellen Menkhorst, Evdokia Dimitriadis
Summary: JAG1 regulates the adhesive capacity of human and mouse endometrial epithelial cells and modulates endometrial receptivity through interaction with Notch signaling downstream target HEY1 and classical receptivity markers. Knockdown of Jag1 in mice significantly impairs blastocyst implantation and alters the expression of genes related to tight junction, infertility, and cell adhesion. Further analysis reveals JAG1 only affects the tight junction components expression in mice, suggesting different mechanisms involved in regulating endometrial receptivity in humans and mice.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hye-Rin Park, Hee-Jung Choi, Bo-Sung Kim, Tae-Wook Chung, Keuk-Jun Kim, Jong-Kil Joo, Dongryeol Ryu, Sung-Jin Bae, Ki-Tae Ha
Summary: The active compound paeoniflorin in Paeonia lactiflora significantly improved embryo implantation rate and increased cell adhesion through upregulating the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). This suggests that paeoniflorin might be a potent drug candidate for treating endometrial implantation failure by enhancing endometrial receptivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iwona Scheliga, Dunja M. Baston-Buest, Gereon Poschmann, Kai Stuehler, Jan-Steffen Kruessel, Alexandra P. Bielfeld
Summary: Endometrial scratching has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology to improve pregnancy rates, but its mechanism and benefits are still not fully understood or investigated. Proteomic analysis suggests that the scratching procedure may impact proteins involved in immune response pathways and cytoskeleton formation, potentially increasing endometrial receptivity and enhancing embryo implantation. This pilot study provides data that explain the possible benefits of endometrial scratching for patients in infertility treatment and highlights potential changes in the endometrium due to the procedure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Zhang, Zhe Zhang, Nannan Kang, Xiaoqiang Sheng
Summary: This paper introduces a modified method for generating and applying the mouse artificial decidualization model, which can serve as a reliable animal model for studying endometrial decidualization.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Qi He, Ying Zhou, Weiqin Zhou, Caiping Mao, Qian Kang, Yanping Pan, Nan Wang, Yanyu Zhong, Zhansheng Pan
Summary: This study aims to establish a nomogram incorporating a series of ultrasonic endometrial receptivity markers on the day before implantation to assess embryo-endometrial synchrony and improve clinical pregnancy outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mariann Koel, Kaarel Krjutskov, Merli Saare, Kulli Samuel, Dmitri Lubenets, Shintaro Katayama, Elisabet Einarsdottir, Eva Vargas, Alberto Sola-Leyva, Parameswaran Grace Lalitkumar, Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson, David Blesa, Carlos Simon, Fredrik Lanner, Juha Kere, Andres Salumets, Signe Altmae
Summary: The study identified receptivity-specific genes in the endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, as well as highlighted the role of galectins, integrin beta 1, basigin, and osteopontin in the embryo-endometrium dialogue. By constructing a protein-protein interaction network, the study provided insights into the initial phases of embryo implantation and potential therapeutic targets for infertility and fertility issues.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manizha Shekibi, Sophea Heng, Guiying Nie
Summary: The development of endometrial receptivity is crucial for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy initiation. Recent studies have focused on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. This review provides an up-to-date knowledge of the miRNAs identified in humans and mice that may play a functional role in the establishment of receptivity. The findings suggest that miRNAs could be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving endometrial receptivity in human fertility treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hon Yeung Chan, Ha M. Tran, James Breen, John E. Schjenken, Sarah A. Robertson
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive profile of the endometrial transcriptome in the peri-ovulatory and peri-implantation states, identifying genes, regulatory pathways, and upstream drivers involved in the transition to uterine receptivity that were not previously associated with implantation. Several upstream regulators, including cytokines, ovarian steroid hormones, prostaglandin E2, and vascular endothelial growth factor A, were found to be activated during this transition. The findings of this study will contribute to further research on the molecular mechanisms of uterine receptivity.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sara E. Arian, Kamran Hessami, Ali Khatibi, Alvin K. To, Alireza A. Shamshirsaz, William Gibbons
Summary: This study investigated the impact of endometrial receptivity array (ERA) before frozen embryo transfer in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The results showed that the use of ERA did not significantly increase the success rate of IVF cycles, such as the live birth rate. The importance of ERA in improving the pregnancy rate is still unclear.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
John D. Aplin, Adam Stevens
Summary: The text discusses the importance of precise and personalized timing of the endometrial cycle for optimal embryo replacement, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties in defining the relationship between the endometrial cycle and implantation. Despite advancements in 'omics technologies, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the molecular characterization of the receptive state, suggesting a need for further research and exploration in this area.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Paul Pirtea, Dominique de Ziegler, Jean Marc Ayoubi
Summary: A review found that assessing endometrial receptivity is difficult in natural conception due to adenomyosis and endometriosis affecting fertility. However, recent data from assisted reproductive technology has allowed the study of endometrial receptivity in affected women, challenging previous beliefs about the disorders' effects on embryo implantation. The existence of altered receptivity in assisted reproductive technology is now being questioned, as frozen euploid blastocyst transfers in estradiol and progesterone cycles have shown unchanged outcomes in both disorders.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao Ma, Jing Wang, Likai Wang, Laiqing Yan, Yunjie Liu, Wenkui Ma, Pengyun Ji, Lu Zhang, Guoshi Liu
Summary: Using Aanat and Mt2 KO mice, this study found that the melatonergic system plays a crucial role in early pregnancy in mice. The deficiency of AANAT and MT2 resulted in reduced implantation sites and abnormal endometrium morphology. Mechanistically, the melatonergic system is essential for normal endometrial receptivity and functions by activating the STAT signaling pathway. Melatonin production reduction and signal transduction impairment led to hyperproliferative endometrium and increased local immunoinflammatory reaction, causing early abortion in Mt2 KO mice. These findings might have implications in other animals, including humans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
J. M. N. Duffy, M. Hirsch, M. Vercoe, J. Abbott, C. Barker, B. Collura, R. Drake, J. L. H. Evers, M. Hickey, A. W. Horne, M. L. Hull, S. Kolekar, S. Lensen, N. P. Johnson, V Mahajan, B. W. Mol, A-S Otter, L. Puscasiu, M. B. Rodriguez, L. Rombauts, A. Vail, R. Wang, C. M. Farquhar
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisanne George, Amy Winship, Kelli Sorby, Evdokia Dimitriadis, Ellen Menkhorst
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Ellen Menkhorst, Wei Zhou, Leilani L. Santos, Sarah Delforce, Teresa So, Kate Rainczuk, Hannah Loke, Argyro Syngelaki, Swati Varshney, Nicholas Williamson, Kirsty Pringle, Morag J. Young, Kypros H. Nicolaides, Yves St-Pierre, Eva Dimitriadis
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sarah Hunt, Karim S. Abdallah, Ernest Ng, Luk Rombauts, Beverley Vollenhoven, Ben W. Mol
SEMINARS IN REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE
(2020)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Usama Al-Zubaidi, Deepak Adhikari, Ozgur Cinar, Qing-Hua Zhang, Wai Shan Yuen, Michael P. Murphy, Luk Rombauts, Rebecca L. Robker, John Carroll
Summary: The study showed that MitoQ and BGP-15 during in vitro maturation can protect against spindle and chromosomal defects in oocytes exposed to oxidative stress and from aged mice. In human oocytes, MitoQ promotes nuclear maturation and protects against chromosomal misalignments. These findings suggest that mitochondrially targeted molecules could be a novel therapeutic approach against maternal aging-related spindle and chromosomal abnormalities.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jyotsna Pundir, Chiara Achilli, Priya Bhide, Luca Sabatini, Richard S. Legro, Luk Rombauts, Helena Teede, Arri Coomarasamy, Javier Zamora, Shakila Thangaratinam
Summary: There is no evidence that letrozole increases the risk of congenital foetal malformation or pregnancy loss compared with clomiphene, natural conception or other fertility agents, to warrant warning against its use. Given its therapeutic benefits and lack of evidence of harm to the foetus, clinicians should consider letrozole as first-line agent for ovulation induction.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Evdokia Dimitriadis, Ellen Menkhorst, Shigeru Saito, William H. Kutteh, Jan J. Brosens
NATURE REVIEWS DISEASE PRIMERS
(2020)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sarah Lensen, Sheng Chen, Lucy Goodman, Luk Rombauts, Cindy Farquhar, Karin Hammarberg
Summary: The study found widespread advertising of IVF add-ons on clinic websites in Australasia, with most claims of benefit not quantified and lacking scientific publications support. None of the add-ons were supported by high-quality evidence for improving pregnancy or live birth rates.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sarah G. Paule, Sophea Heng, Nirukshi Samarajeewa, Ying Li, Mary Mansilla, Andrew Webb, Thomas Nebl, Steven L. Young, Bruce A. Lessey, M. Louise Hull, Maxine Scelwyn, Rebecca Lim, Beverley Vollenhoven, Luk J. Rombauts, Guiying Nie
Summary: This study identified PODX as a key negative regulator of endometrial receptivity, with its specific downregulation in the mid-secretory phase likely mediated by progesterone. Overexpression of PODX inhibited human embryo attachment and invasion in functional models, highlighting its role as a negative regulator of epithelial receptivity for implantation.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Eliza Grbac, Teresa So, Swati Varshney, Nicholas Williamson, Evdokia Dimitriadis, Ellen Menkhorst
Summary: Research suggests that prednisolone affects the expression of cytokines and protein production in human endometrial stromal fibroblasts (hESF), altering their regulation of trophoblast cells. Decidualization of hESF in the presence of prednisolone enhances trophoblast cell growth and influences the expression of cell motility genes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Niloufar Ansari, Tsuyoshi Isojima, Blessing Crimeen-Irwin, Ingrid J. Poulton, Narelle E. McGregor, Patricia W. M. Ho, Mark R. Forwood, Christopher S. Kovacs, Evdokia Dimitriadis, Jonathan H. Gooi, T. John Martin, Natalie A. Sims
Summary: PTHrP is a pleiotropic regulator of tissue homeostasis, with significant impact on bone development. The study found that parental genotype plays a crucial role in influencing bone size and strength in offspring under the same experimental conditions, indicating a maternal influence on skeletal size.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Wei Zhou, Ellen Menkhorst, Evdokia Dimitriadis
Summary: This study identified the expression pattern of CLIC4 in the placenta and decidua, and revealed its association with trophoblast cell function and TGF beta signaling. Knockdown of CLIC4 led to increased cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, along with alterations in the expression of downstream targets of the TGF beta signaling pathway. These findings indicate an inhibitory role for CLIC4 in regulating trophoblast migration and invasion.
Article
Developmental Biology
Siena Barton, Wei Zhou, Leilani L. Santos, Ellen Menkhorst, Guannan Yang, Wan Tinn Teh, Catarina Ang, Tarana Lucky, Evdokia Dimitriadis
Summary: miR-23b-3p expression is increased in the fertile endometrium during receptivity. This study investigates its role in endometrial adhesion and its downstream targets.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Meaghan J. Griffiths, Sarah A. . Marshall, Fiona L. . Cousins, Lauren R. . Alesi, Jordan Higgins, Saranya Giridharan, Urooza C. . Sarma, Ellen Menkhorst, Wei Zhou, Alison S. . Care, Jacqueline F. . Donoghue, Sarah J. . Holdsworth-Carson, Peter A. W. . Rogers, Evdokia Dimitriadis, Caroline E. Gargett, Sarah A. Robertson, Amy L. Winship, Karla J. Hutt
Summary: Female cancer survivors are at a higher risk of infertility due to the damaging effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the ovaries. However, the effects of cancer treatments on the uterus have been understudied. This study shows that total-body gamma-irradiation (TBI) damages the uterus, leading to compromised pregnancy success. The pro-apoptotic protein Puma is identified as a key mechanism in TBI-induced uterine damage, suggesting that inhibiting PUMA may be a potential fertility preservation strategy.
Review
Developmental Biology
Sarah J. Holdsworth-Carson, Ellen Menkhorst, Jacqueline A. Maybin, Anna King, Jane E. Girling
Summary: This review focuses on the complex changes in the female reproductive tract during the menstrual cycle and explores reproductive tract abnormalities associated with the cycle. Women and people who menstruate in high-income countries can expect to experience around 450 menstrual cycles between menarche and menopause. The primary function of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the reproductive system for pregnancy, and its end triggers menstruation. This paper discusses the physiological processes involved in uterine cyclicity in humans and relevant mammals, highlighting knowledge gaps and the impact of reproductive tract and uterine cycle perturbations on health and fertility.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)