Recent Advances in Understanding Endometrial Receptivity: Molecular Basis and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Advancement in the field of ART has lead to the possibility of achieving good quality embryos. However, the success rate in ART needs further improvement. This is largely dependent on identifying the receptive endometrium for the successful implantation of embryos as well as modulating the endometrium to the receptive stage. In the last half-a-decade, focus has been shifting toward identifying the receptive endometrium. Here, we summarize different tools explored to identify receptive endometrium from the literature, mainly focusing on the past decade, with the help of PubMed. The quest to identify endometrial receptivity markers has lead to the exploration of morphological features at micro and macro scale levels. A large number of studies at molecular levels have focused on genomic, proteomic and lipidomic targets. Recent development of endometrial receptivity array is a promising diagnostic instrument. However, a noninvasive possibility for the diagnosis of endometrial receptivity would be an ideal tool, which could be used in the clinic to improve the success rate of ART. Improved knowledge on endometrial receptivity will not only help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of infertility but will also give possibilities to develop new contraceptive methods targeting the endometrium.

Reproductive outcome is optimized by genomic embryo screening, vitrification, and subsequent transfer into a prepared synchronous endometrium

“…[5,6] and consequently lower pregnancy rates. It is theorized that possible mechanisms that may alter embryo-endometrium synchrony may include a premature elevation of progesterone that could alter the normal endometrial window of implantation [3,5].…”

“…Therefore, previous studies comparing fresh embryo transfer (ET) with FET are limited due to the morphological differences in their study cohorts. Despite this fact, some studies have reported even higher pregnancy rates following a FET compared to fresh transfers [3,6,7]. In addition, with the advances and optimization made in cryopreservation methods [8], the quality of the frozen embryos and their reproductive potential are at least similar to those observed with fresh embryos [9].…”

Tiaogeng Yijing decoction improves the pregnancy outcomes of patients with poor ovarian response undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

“…Improved endometrial receptivity is responsible for increased pregnancy rates and reduced early pregnancy failure (30,31). Cytokines and growth factors are associated with endometrial receptivity and implantation (32,33). Thus, the present study measured the levels of GDF-9, integrin αVβ3, TGF-β1, LIF, G-CSF and VEGF in the follicular fluid and endometria of patients with POR.…”

The role of immunological markers in assessment of implantation uterus receptivity - clinical implications.

“…Część z nich, po zapłodnieniu, zostaje wprowadzonych do jamy macicy celem ich implantacji. Ta hiperstymulacja hormonalna jajników może jednak doprowadzić do zaburzeń w prawidłowym wykształceniu właściwości receptywnych doczesnej, co stanowi obecnie duży problem kliniczny [20][21][22][23].…”