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
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
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sophea Heng, Nirukshi Samarajeewa, Asma Aberkane, Wafaa Essahib, Hilde Van de Velde, Maxine Scelwyn, M. Louise Hull, Beverley Vollenhoven, Luk J. Rombauts, Guiying Nie
Summary: This study found that PCX inhibits embryo implantation in vitro and in IVF patients. High levels of PCX significantly inhibited blastocyst attachment and penetration. The presence of PCX in the luminal epithelium was negatively associated with the success rate of clinical pregnancy.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(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)
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.
Editorial Material
Biology
J. Julie Kim
Summary: A new laboratory model helps to study the role of senescent cells in fostering a uterine environment that can support an embryo.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Laura E. Eisman, Margareta D. Pisarska, Sahar Wertheimer, Jessica L. Chan, Alin Lina Akopians, Mark W. Surrey, Hal C. Danzer, Shahin Ghadir, Wendy Y. Chang, Carolyn J. Alexander, Erica T. Wang
Summary: The study evaluated the utility of the endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA) in women with prior failed embryo transfers. The prevalence of non-receptive endometrium was similar among women with >= 1 prior failed ET and controls, but women with >= 3 prior failed ETs had a lower ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate despite personalized FET, indicating additional factors in implantation failure beyond progesterone exposure adjustment.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2021)
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
Cell Biology
Vineet K. Maurya, Francesco J. DeMayo, John P. Lydon
Summary: The synchrony between progesterone-driven endometrial receptivity and the arrival of a euploid blastocyst is crucial for successful embryo implantation and establishment of pregnancy. Aberrant progesterone molecular responses can lead to infertility, early embryo miscarriage, gestational complications, and endometrial pathologies. Further identification and functional analysis of key molecular mediators and modifiers of the endometrial response to progesterone may provide insight into early endometrial changes and lead to more effective diagnostics and therapies for female infertility and gynecological morbidities.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yafang Lu, Yuhan Shao, Weiwei Cui, Zhaoyu Jia, Qian Zhang, Qing Zhao, Zi-Jiang Chen, Junhao Yan, Bo Chu, Jia Yuan
Summary: The balance of redox homeostasis in the uterine epithelium is crucial for early pregnancy, and disruptions in this balance can lead to implantation defects and infertility in females. This study reveals the harmful effects of excessive lipid peroxides on embryo implantation and suggests that targeting the elimination of lipid peroxides may be a potential therapeutic approach. Administering lipid peroxidation inhibitors does not rescue implantation, but preserving a specific enzyme can restore reproductive capacity.
Article
Biology
Thomas M. Rawlings, Komal Makwana, Deborah M. Taylor, Matteo A. Mole, Katherine J. Fishwick, Maria Tryfonos, Joshua Odendaal, Amelia Hawkes, Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, Geraldine M. Hartshorne, Jan J. Brosens, Emma S. Lucas
Summary: The study suggests that decidual senescence controls endometrial fate decisions at implantation and the presence of senescent decidual cells creates a dynamic implantation environment, enabling embryo expansion and attachment but leading to gradual disintegration of assembloids. Pharmacological inhibition of stress responses in pre-decidual cells accelerated decidualization and eliminated the emergence of senescent decidual cells, resulting in a strong, static decidual matrix. The research highlights how endometrial assembloids may facilitate the discovery of new treatments to prevent reproductive failure.
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
Health Care Sciences & Services
Pin-Yao Lin, Chun- Lee, Yi-Chun Chen, En-Hui Cheng, Chun-Chia Huang, Chung- Chen, Tsung-Hsien Lee, Yu-Jen Lee, Maw-Sheng Lee
Summary: Optimizing endometrial thickness is crucial for successful embryo implantation, and platelet-rich plasma therapies have shown promise in enhancing thin endometrium. This study found that an extremely thin endometrial thickness and a history of multiple uterine surgeries can impede the efficacy of increasing endometrial thickness through intrauterine platelet-rich plasma infusion.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
