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Hernández-Vargas P, Muñoz M, Domínguez F. Identifying biomarkers for predicting successful embryo implantation: applying single to multi-OMICs to improve reproductive outcomes. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:264-301. [PMID: 32096829 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful embryo implantation is a complex process that requires the coordination of a series of events, involving both the embryo and the maternal endometrium. Key to this process is the intricate cascade of molecular mechanisms regulated by endocrine, paracrine and autocrine modulators of embryonic and maternal origin. Despite significant progress in ART, implantation failure still affects numerous infertile couples worldwide and fewer than 10% of embryos successfully implant. Improved selection of both the viable embryos and the optimal endometrial phenotype for transfer remains crucial to enhancing implantation chances. However, both classical morphological embryo selection and new strategies incorporated into clinical practice, such as embryonic genetic analysis, morphokinetics or ultrasound endometrial dating, remain insufficient to predict successful implantation. Additionally, no techniques are widely applied to analyse molecular signals involved in the embryo-uterine interaction. More reliable biological markers to predict embryo and uterine reproductive competence are needed to improve pregnancy outcomes. Recent years have seen a trend towards 'omics' methods, which enable the assessment of complete endometrial and embryonic molecular profiles during implantation. Omics have advanced our knowledge of the implantation process, identifying potential but rarely implemented biomarkers of successful implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Differences between the findings of published omics studies, and perhaps because embryonic and endometrial molecular signatures were often not investigated jointly, have prevented firm conclusions being reached. A timely review summarizing omics studies on the molecular determinants of human implantation in both the embryo and the endometrium will help facilitate integrative and reliable omics approaches to enhance ART outcomes. SEARCH METHODS In order to provide a comprehensive review of the literature published up to September 2019, Medline databases were searched using keywords pertaining to omics, including 'transcriptome', 'proteome', 'secretome', 'metabolome' and 'expression profiles', combined with terms related to implantation, such as 'endometrial receptivity', 'embryo viability' and 'embryo implantation'. No language restrictions were imposed. References from articles were also used for additional literature. OUTCOMES Here we provide a complete summary of the major achievements in human implantation research supplied by omics approaches, highlighting their potential to improve reproductive outcomes while fully elucidating the implantation mechanism. The review highlights the existence of discrepancies among the postulated biomarkers from studies on embryo viability or endometrial receptivity, even using the same omic analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite the huge amount of biomarker information provided by omics, we still do not have enough evidence to link data from all omics with an implantation outcome. However, in the foreseeable future, application of minimally or non-invasive omics tools, together with a more integrative interpretation of uniformly collected data, will help to overcome the difficulties for clinical implementation of omics tools. Omics assays of the embryo and endometrium are being proposed or already being used as diagnostic tools for personalised single-embryo transfer in the most favourable endometrial environment, avoiding the risk of multiple pregnancies and ensuring better pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purificación Hernández-Vargas
- IVI-RMA Alicante, Innovation. Avda. de Denia 111, 03015 Alicante, Spain.,Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muñoz
- IVI-RMA Alicante, Innovation. Avda. de Denia 111, 03015 Alicante, Spain.,Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Domínguez
- Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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Stepanjuk A, Koel M, Pook M, Saare M, Jääger K, Peters M, Krjutškov K, Ingerpuu S, Salumets A. MUC20 expression marks the receptive phase of the human endometrium. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:725-736. [PMID: 31519421 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION How does mucin MUC20 expression change during the menstrual cycle in different cell types of human endometrium? DESIGN Study involved examination of MUC20 expression in two previously published RNA-seq datasets in whole endometrial tissue (n = 10), sorted endometrial epithelial (n = 44) or stromal (n = 42) cell samples. RNA-Seq results were validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in whole tissue (n = 10), sorted epithelial (n = 17) and stromal (n = 17) cell samples. MUC20 protein localization and expression were analysed in human endometrium by immunohistochemical analysis of intact endometrial tissue (n = 6) and also Western blot of cultured stromal and epithelial cells (n = 2). RESULTS MUC20 is differentially expressed in the endometrium between the pre-receptive and receptive phases. We show that MUC20 is predominantly expressed by epithelial cells of the receptive endometrium, both at the mRNA (RNA-Seq, P = 0.005; qRT-PCR, P = 0.039) and protein levels (Western blot; immunohistochemistry, P = 0.029). CONCLUSION Our results indicate MUC20 as a novel marker of mid-secretory endometrial biology. We propose a model of MUC20 function in the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-activated mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) receptor signalling specifically in the receptive phase. Further investigations should reveal the precise function of MUC20 in human endometrium and the possible connection between MUC20 and HGF-activated MET receptor signalling. MUC20 could potentially be included in the list of endometrial receptivity markers after further clinical validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artjom Stepanjuk
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Mariann Koel
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia; Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tiigi 61b, Tartu 50410, Estonia
| | - Martin Pook
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Merli Saare
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tiigi 61b, Tartu 50410, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Kersti Jääger
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tiigi 61b, Tartu 50410, Estonia
| | - Maire Peters
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tiigi 61b, Tartu 50410, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia
| | - Kaarel Krjutškov
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tiigi 61b, Tartu 50410, Estonia; Research Program of Molecular Neurology, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, and Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Sulev Ingerpuu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tiigi 61b, Tartu 50410, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, L. Puusepa 8, Tartu 50406, Estonia; Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 2, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
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Iacovelli A, Liberati M, Khalil A, Timor-Trisch I, Leombroni M, Buca D, Milani M, Flacco ME, Manzoli L, Fanfani F, Calì G, Familiari A, Scambia G, D'Antonio F. Risk factors for abnormally invasive placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 33:471-481. [PMID: 29938551 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1493453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of the article. To explore the strength of association between different maternal and pregnancy characteristics and the occurrence of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP).Materials and methods: Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL databases were searched. The risk factors for AIP explored were: obesity, age >35 years, smoking before or during pregnancy, placenta previa, prior cesarean section (CS), placenta previa and prior CS, prior uterine surgery, abortion and uterine curettage, in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy and interval between a previous CS, and a subsequent pregnancy. Random-effect head-to-head meta-analyses were used to analyze the data.Results: Forty-six were included in the systematic review. Maternal obesity (Odd ratio, OR: 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.8), advanced maternal age (OR: 3.1, 95% CI 1.4-7.0) and parity (OR: 2.5, 95% CI 1.7-3.6), but not smoking were associated with a higher risk of AIP. The presence of placenta previa in women with at least a prior CS was associated with a higher risk of AIP compared to controls, with an OR of 12.0, 95% CI 1.6-88.0. Furthermore, the risk of AIP increased with the number of prior CS (OR of 2.6, 95% CI 1.6-4.4 and 5.4, 95% CI 1.7-17.4 for two and three prior CS respectively). Finally, IVF pregnancies were associated with a high risk of AIP, with an OR of 2.8 (95% CI 1.2-6.8).Conclusion: A prior CS and placenta previa are among the strongest risk factors for the occurrence of AIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Iacovelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Liberati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal medicine Unit, Division of Developmental Sciences, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilan Timor-Trisch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martina Leombroni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Danilo Buca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michela Milani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Lamberto Manzoli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Fanfani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calì
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Arnas Civico Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco D'Antonio
- Women´s Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Evans GE, Phillipson GTM, Sykes PH, McNoe LA, Print CG, Evans JJ. Does the endometrial gene expression of fertile women vary within and between cycles? Hum Reprod 2018; 33:452-463. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria E Evans
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Otago, Christchurch, Christchurch Women’s Hospital, 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | | | - Peter H Sykes
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Otago, Christchurch, Christchurch Women’s Hospital, 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Les A McNoe
- Otago Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility, Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, 362 Leith Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Cristin G Print
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology and The Maurice Wilkins Centre, University of Auckland, 53 Park Road, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - John J Evans
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Otago, Christchurch, Christchurch Women’s Hospital, 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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Silveira CO, Rezende CP, Ferreira MC, Del Puerto HL, Reis FM. Implantation Failure Is Associated With Increased α-Inhibin and β-Glycan Gene Expression in Secretory Phase Endometrium: Nested Case–Control Study of Infertile Women Undergoing IVF/Fresh Embryo Transfer. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:720-725. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719116667490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Camila O. Silveira
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carolina P. Rezende
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Márcia C. Ferreira
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Helen L. Del Puerto
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Division of Human Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Ozgur K, Humaidan P, Coetzee K. Segmented ART - The new era in ART? Reprod Biol 2016; 16:91-103. [PMID: 27288333 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Currently up to 4% of infants born in developing countries are conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Even though most of these conceptions occur and progress without complications, ART procedures and processes may increase iatrogenesis through complications in - and after conception. We herein review and discuss the clinically and scientific implications and evidence of iatrogenesis, and show how the evolution in ART technologies and procedures has led to the current presumption that frozen embryo transfer might be a more optimal strategy than fresh embryo transfer, in terms of not only reproduction, but also of maternal and fetal outcomes. There is increasing scientific evidence to support the notion that controlled ovarian stimulation could induce significant changes to the endocrine profile of a reproductive cycle, especially to the reproductively important early luteal phase. These changes may not only have a negative effect on implantation and early placentation, but also on the mother, the fetus, and the infant. The overt consequences of controlled ovarian stimulation include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, reduced embryo implantation, increased ectopic pregnancy, and altered placentation and fetal growth. The cumulative scientific evidence from this review suggests that GnRHa trigger in segmented ART might constitute the future routine treatment regimen for IVF patients, providing a safe, effective, and patient friendly treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital and Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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von Grothusen C, Lalitkumar S, Boggavarapu NR, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Lalitkumar PG. Recent advances in understanding endometrial receptivity: molecular basis and clinical applications. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:148-57. [PMID: 24635108 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina von Grothusen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Altmäe S, Esteban FJ, Stavreus-Evers A, Simón C, Giudice L, Lessey BA, Horcajadas JA, Macklon NS, D'Hooghe T, Campoy C, Fauser BC, Salamonsen LA, Salumets A. Guidelines for the design, analysis and interpretation of 'omics' data: focus on human endometrium. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:12-28. [PMID: 24082038 PMCID: PMC3845681 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Omics' high-throughput analyses, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, are widely applied in human endometrial studies. Analysis of endometrial transcriptome patterns in physiological and pathophysiological conditions has been to date the most commonly applied 'omics' technique in human endometrium. As the technologies improve, proteomics holds the next big promise for this field. The 'omics' technologies have undoubtedly advanced our knowledge of human endometrium in relation to fertility and different diseases. Nevertheless, the challenges arising from the vast amount of data generated and the broad variation of 'omics' profiling according to different environments and stimuli make it difficult to assess the validity, reproducibility and interpretation of such 'omics' data. With the expansion of 'omics' analyses in the study of the endometrium, there is a growing need to develop guidelines for the design of studies, and the analysis and interpretation of 'omics' data. METHODS Systematic review of the literature in PubMed, and references from relevant articles were investigated up to March 2013. RESULTS The current review aims to provide guidelines for future 'omics' studies on human endometrium, together with a summary of the status and trends, promise and shortcomings in the high-throughput technologies. In addition, the approaches presented here can be adapted to other areas of high-throughput 'omics' studies. CONCLUSION A highly rigorous approach to future studies, based on the guidelines provided here, is a prerequisite for obtaining data on biological systems which can be shared among researchers worldwide and will ultimately be of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Altmäe
- Competence Centre on Reproductive Medicine and Biology, Tartu, Estonia
- School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Anneli Stavreus-Evers
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carlos Simón
- Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI) and Instituto Universitario IVI/INCLIVA, Valencia University, 46021 Valencia, Spain
| | - Linda Giudice
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0132, USA
| | - Bruce A. Lessey
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Group, Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, South Carolina, SC 29605, USA
| | - Jose A. Horcajadas
- Araid-Hospital Miguel Servet, 50004 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Nick S. Macklon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Developmental Origins of Adult Disease, University of Southampton, Princess Anne Hospital, SO16 5YA Southampton, UK
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Leuven University Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (Leuven University), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cristina Campoy
- School of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Bart C. Fauser
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lois A. Salamonsen
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Reproductive Medicine and Biology, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tartu, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
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