Biochemical evaluation of endometrial function at the time of implantation

Lindhard, Anette; Bentin-Ley, Ursula; Ravn, Vibeke; Islin, Henrik; Hviid, Thomas Vauvert F.; Rex, Sven; Bangsbøll, Susanne; Sørensen, Steen

doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(02)03240-5

Cited by 129 publications

(67 citation statements)

References 102 publications

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“…IL-1 is thought to actively participate in the synchronized cooperation between the endometrium and the preimplanting embryo under the influence of steroid hormones, both in mice and humans (Lindhard et al 2002). In humans, secretion of embryonic IL-1 seems to be the first response of the blastocyst to the receptive endometrium, stimulating a second wave of cytokines essential for attachment of the blastocyst (Lindhard et al 2002). We have herein demonstrated that 1 -OHase is among those genes transcriptionally modulated by IL-1 at the endometrial level.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cycling and early pregnant endometrium as a site of regulated expression of the vitamin D system

Viganò

Lattuada

Mangioni

et al. 2006

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology

172

119

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In addition to its calciotropic function, the secosteroid 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ), has potent anti-proliferative/immunomodulatory effects on various tissues. Consistently, the enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , 1 -hydroxylase (1 -OHase) and the vitamin D receptor have a widespread tissue distribution. Among site-specific functions, the hormone has been suggested to be involved in uterine physiology. However, molecular analysis of the vitamin D system in normal endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle as well as its regulation in the context of endometrial physiological and pathological events have received very limited attention. Thus, we have studied expression, localization and regulation of 1 -OHase in human cycling and early pregnant endometrium. The capacity for 1 -hydroxylation and the presence of vitamin D receptor in endometrial cells have also been evaluated. The functional significance of these findings has been tested by evaluating gene expression of the catabolic enzyme, vitamin D 24-hydroxylase, and of the adhesion protein, osteopontin. Finally, to verify any potential dysfunction of the vitamin D system in endometriosis, a reproductive disease characterized by immune-mediated anomalies, we have analyzed expression of 1 -OHase in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium of affected patients. Results obtained showed that the active form of the 1 -OHase gene was expressed in human endometrial stromal cells independent of the cycle phase but with a significant increase in early pregnant decidua. A similar profile was observed for the protein, which was abundantly expressed in the cytoplasm of both endometrial stroma and epithelial glands. Both cycling and early pregnant endometrial cells also expressed the vitamin D receptor. In the same cells, 1 -OHase mRNA levels were significantly stimulated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 (50 and 500 pg/ml) while addition of the active form of the hormone could modulate both CYP24 and osteopontin gene expression. The 1 -OHase gene was also expressed in ectopic endometrium and its levels were increased in proliferative phase cultures derived from patients with endometriosis. Human cycling endometrium may be included among the extrarenal sites able to synthesize vitamin D. The IL-1 −mediated induction of 1 -OHase gene and the hormonal modulation of osteopontin support a role for the hormone in the immunological mechanisms underlying uterine function. Abnormalities of this system are present in endometriosis.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cycling and early pregnant endometrium as a site of regulated expression of the vitamin D system

Viganò

Lattuada

Mangioni

et al. 2006

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology

172

119

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…NS = not significant. [16]. The endometrium undergoes marked developmental changes during the proliferative to secretory phases of the cycle.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationship between Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and Pregnancy Outcome in Women Undergoing Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation for Assisted Reproduction

Lin

Sun

2005

Endocr J

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Abstract. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the changes of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) affect the pregnancy outcome in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for assisted reproduction. Forty-five infertile women who were undergoing pituitary desensitization and COH for in vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and 19 women with normal menstrual cycles participated in the study. Fasting blood samples of the follicular and luteal phases, including follicular fluid during oocyte retrieval, were obtained for determination of estradiol (E 2 ), progesterone (P 4 ), testosterone (T), and SHBG concentrations. The SHBG levels increased progressively during the course of COH, but remained constant throughout normal menstrual cycles. A positive correlation existed between E 2 and SHBG levels in both the follicular and luteal phases. The mean plasma SHBG concentration and E 2 /T ratio were significantly higher, while the level of T and the free androgen index were significantly lower, in the luteal phase of women who conceived than in those who did not conceive following COH. The changes of follicular fluid SHBG level and E 2 /T ratio were similar to those in plasma. We concluded, therefore, that increases in SHBG in the follicular and luteal phases may be a reflection of the functional state of ovarian stimulation, and further that such elevations may influence the pregnancy outcome through the modulation of circulating estrogen and androgen balance during down-regulated COH cycles for IVF/ICSI.

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“…In general, interleukins, chemokines, cytokines and other immunological molecules are known to play a major role during implantation. (Lindhard et al, 2002).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%