Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emma E. Don, Mei-An Middelkoop, Wouter J. K. Hehenkamp, Velja Mijatovic, Arjan W. Griffioen, Judith A. F. Huirne
Summary: Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors in women, often causing abnormal uterine bleeding. They are also associated with infertility, particularly if the fibroids protrude into the uterine cavity. Hormonal therapy and hysterectomy are not suitable for women who desire to conceive. This study evaluated endometrial angiogenesis in women with fibroids and explored the influence of pharmaceutical therapies. Results showed aberrant angiogenesis in patients with fibroids, and various treatments, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, ulipristal acetate, and continuous oral contraception pills, reduced angiogenic parameters. Additionally, altered angiogenic pathways were found in infertile patients with fibroids. These findings could be valuable for developing new therapeutic targets for fibroid-related symptoms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hamed Hajipour, Laya Farzadi, Leila Roshangar, Zeinab Latifi, Houman Kahroba, Vahideh Shahnazi, Kobra Hamdi, Alieh Ghasemzadeh, Amir Fattahi, Mohammad Nouri
Summary: This study demonstrated the potential of uterine fluid-derived exosomes as a carrier for delivering hCG to endometrial cells, enhancing endometrial receptivity. The effect of hCG-loaded exosomes on endometrial receptivity exceeded that of hCG or exosomes alone. Furthermore, hCG-loaded exosomes showed enhanced regulation of specific gene expression compared to hCG alone.
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
Anatomy & Morphology
Laura Governini, Francesca P. Luongo, Alesandro Haxhiu, Paola Piomboni, Alice Luddi
Summary: Embryo implantation occurs during a specific period in the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, and interaction between the endometrium and blastocyst is crucial for successful implantation. While no single molecule or receptor has been identified as essential for implantation, a variety of mediators support pregnancy establishment. Understanding these complex mechanisms can help address issues of implantation failure and infertility.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
E. Giacomini, G. M. Scotti, V. S. Vanni, D. Lazarevic, S. Makieva, L. Privitera, S. Signorelli, L. Cantone, V Bollati, V Murdica, G. Tonon, E. Papaleo, M. Candiani, P. Vigano
Summary: The transcriptomic cargo of UF-EVs reflects the RNA profile of the endometrial tissue as well as changes between the non-receptive and the receptive phase, supporting its use for a novel endometrial receptivity test. These findings suggest that UF-EVs could serve as a reservoir for potential less-invasive collection of receptivity markers, advancing the field of reproductive medicine with real-time monitoring of endometrial status.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Qinsheng Lu, Dingqian Sun, Sourima Biswas Shivhare, Huomei Hou, Judith N. Bulmer, Barbara A. Innes, Dharani K. Hapangama, Gendie E. Lash
Summary: Appropriate growth and development of the endometrium is crucial for a woman's quality of life and reproductive health, while conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding and recurrent pregnancy loss significantly impact women's quality of life and healthcare systems. TGF beta 1 plays a key role in regulating endometrial vascular maturation and could be a potential therapeutic target for women with HMB and/or RPL.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Silvia Vannuccini, Sara Clemenza, Emanuele Cassioli, Eleonora Rossi, Giovanni Castellini, Valdo Ricca, Felice Petraglia
Summary: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are associated with pain symptoms and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), leading to impaired quality of life. This study evaluated the global perception of stress and menstrual distress in patients with UFs. Patients with UFs had higher levels of perceived stress and menstrual distress compared to controls, with HMB playing a major role in determining these conditions.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
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
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
Chow-Seng Kong, Alexandra Almansa Ordonez, Sarah Turner, Tina Tremaine, Joanne Muter, Emma S. Lucas, Emma Salisbury, Rita Vassena, Gustavo Tiscornia, Ali A. Fouladi-Nashta, Geraldine Hartshorne, Jan J. Brosens, Paul J. Brighton
Summary: The study found that uterine natural killer cells play a crucial role in embryo biosensing and implantation process, highlighting their importance in selectively eliminating senescent decidual cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amber Rose Hart, Norhayati Liaqat Ali Khan, Keerthie Dissanayake, Kasun Godakumara, Aneta Andronowska, Saji Eapen, Paul R. Heath, Alireza Fazeli
Summary: Successful embryo implantation and endometrial receptivity require communication between the embryo and the maternal endometrium, which is facilitated by extracellular vehicles (EVs). This study investigated the influence of menstrual cycle hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and estrogen plus progesterone) on endometrial-derived EVs. The results showed that hormonal stimulation affected the size and proteome of EVs, with proteins involved in embryo implantation, endometrial receptivity, and embryo development being enhanced in the EVs from the receptive phase (estrogen plus progesterone). This supports the concept of EV-mediated communication between the embryo and the maternal endometrium.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alice Wang, Siting Wang, Charlotte D. Owens, Jamie B. Vora, Michael P. Diamond
Summary: This study compared the direct costs and treatment patterns for women diagnosed with UF+HMB, UF only, and HMB only in the United States. The results showed that UF+HMB treatment costs were significantly higher than UF only and HMB only, primarily driven by surgical/procedural costs and treatment patterns.
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dileyra Adiguzel, Ciler Celik-Ozenci
Summary: FoxO1 plays a crucial role in the endometrium by regulating various functions of endometrial cells, such as promoting decidualization, endometrial receptivity, and cell proliferation. Additionally, FoxO1 also has a key role in embryo implantation guidance and vascular permeabilization in endothelial cells during early pregnancy.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alberto Sola-Leyva, Eduardo Andres-Leon, Nerea M. Molina, Laura Carmen Terron-Camero, Julio Plaza-Diaz, Maria Jose Saez-Lara, Maria Carmen Gonzalvo, Rocio Sanchez, Susana Ruiz, Luis Martinez, Signe Altmae
Summary: The study found that the endometrium of healthy women harbors functionally alive microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi. The composition and metabolic functions of these microorganisms change along the menstrual cycle.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ruofan Qi, Tao Zhang, Yingying Zhang, Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung, Wen-Jui Yang, Chi Chiu Wang
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in local angiotensin II (AngII) and its receptors (AT1R, AT2R) in the endometrium and their correlation with microvessel density in women with reproductive failure. The results showed that compared to fertile women, the expression of AT2R was significantly lower and the AT1R/AT2R expression ratio was significantly higher in the stroma of women with recurrent implantation failure. The endometrium arteriole microvessel density was significantly lower and negatively correlated with the AT1R/AT2R expression ratio in the stroma of women with recurrent implantation failure. The study concludes that the local renin-angiotensin system dysregulation is associated with abnormal angiogenesis in women with recurrent implantation failure.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)