Volume 2 - 3/2021, Review, 140-147

Detection and treatment of some endometrial receptivity disorders – a way to improve fertility rates

DOI: doi.org/10.53260/GREM.212032 | Citation

Svetlana Vujović, Miomira Ivovic, Milina Tančić-Gajić, Ljiljiana Marina, Zorana Arizanovic, Aleksandar Djogo, Milena Brkic, Aleksandar Ljubic, Svetlana Dragojević Dikić

  • Svetlana Vujović CONTACT University Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia
  • Miomira Ivovic Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, University Clinical center, Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Diseases of Metabolism, National Center for Infertility and Endocrinology of Gender, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Milina Tančić-Gajić University Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia
  • Ljiljiana Marina Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, University Clinical center, Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Diseases of Metabolism, National Center for Infertility and Endocrinology of Gender, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Zorana Arizanovic Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, University Clinical center, Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Diseases of Metabolism, National Center for Infertility and Endocrinology of Gender, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Aleksandar Djogo Department of Endocrinology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenego
  • Milena Brkic Talma Medic, University of Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, Bosnia
  • Aleksandar Ljubic Medigroup Health system, Dubrovnik International University, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Svetlana Dragojević Dikić Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinic "Narodni Front", Kraljice Natalije 62, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

Successful implantation requires maternal-embryo interactions and coordination of embryo development and endometrial receptivity. There are four major phases of endometrial transformation which create transcriptome signature. Preimplantation factors were secreted in 77.6% of all successful implantations. The estradiol/progesterone ratio plays crucial role in increasing implantation rate. Hyperinsulinism decreases: the number of insuin receptors, insulin-like factor receptors, insulin-like growth factor binding globulin-1 and sex hormone binding globulin. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 inhibits plasminogen activators and subsequent fibrinolysis potentiating thromboembolic effects. Stressors increase corticoreleasing hormone, adrenocorticoreleasing hormone, cortisol and prolactin and decrease prostaglandin E2 release and vasoconstriction induced/potentiated by angiotensin II, nitric oxide, acetylcholine and serotonin. Also, growth hormone and thyroid hormones directly influence implantation. Autoimmune causes of implantation failure, especially endometriosis, have to be detected and treated. In order to evaluate the etiology of implantation failure, hormone analyses are required, as are analyses of immunological parameters, antibodies, karyotype, MTHFR, Leyden V, FII, and PAI mutations to check susceptibility to thrombophilia. Oral glucose tolerance test with 75 gr of glucose has to be the basic test for better understanding of insulin metabolism.
The complex interplay between genetic, environmental, endocrine, immunological, psychological and hematological parameters needs to be clarified and tested in order to arrive at a more complete understanding of the etiology of impaired endometrial receptivity.
A complete diagnostic procedure is needed. It is advisable to treat all detected irregularities for at least 6 months preconceptionally. Prevention of many diseases later in the life starts with detection of the etiological factors underlying impaired endometrial receptivity and therapeutic improvement of the same.

Full article PDF

Full Article

Introduction

Endometrial receptivity and implantation failure remains an unsolved enigma of the 20 million years of human life on our planet. Way of life, work or occupation, eating habits, re­lationship with partner, exposure to environmental toxins, physical activities etc., influence endocrine, psychological, immunological systems, changing the genome and influencing endometrial receptivity. Endometrial receptivity is orchestrat­ed by the central nervous system cortex, all endocrine glands and is regulated by estrogens, progesterone, other hormones, as well as autocrine and paracrine factors. Endometrial recep­tivity is the ability of the uterus to accept and develop a new embryo [1]. Guzeloglu-Kayishi O, et al. [2] reported many hor­mones (steroid and non-steroid) receptors, growth factors and cytokines required for implantation.

Successful implantation requires coordination of embryo development and receptivity of the endometrium. The moth­er-embryo signaling pathway is highly complex. High molec­ular weight fractions, including proteoglycans, mucins and albumin, are produced in association with implantation and se­questered within are a host of lower molecular weight (<1000 KDa) proteins, including endocrine hormones, immunoglob­ulins, growth hormone-related peptides, immunomodulatory peptides (cytokines, chemokines, interferones, proteases) [3]. They are secreted by luminal and glandular epithelium under local and systemic endocrine control regulated by the hypotha­lamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Integrins are the best character­ized immunohistochemical markers of uterine receptivity. One of the first embryo-specific protein, reported to be secreted, at the blastocyst stage, by the human embryo, is human chorionic gonadotropin, which is involved in mediating the immune re­sponse. The yolk sac, one of the earliest organs in the human embryo, starts in the preimplantation blastocyst as part of the extra-embryonicmesoderm and contributes to both the devel­oping embryo and the trophoblast. It acts as a bridge between the free-living stages of the embryo’s life and the establishment of placental nutrition and respiration. Without these compo­nents there is fetal wastage, congenital abnormalities and likely long-term postnatal diseases.

After the blastocyst (0.2 mm diameter) attaches to the en­dometrium in a region of increased pinopode expression, a complex cascade of cytokines and chemokines, morphogens, adhesion molecules, hormones, and transcriptional and growth factors takes place to facilitate implantation [4].

Macrophages produce cytokines (LIF, IL-11) essential for the implantation. Cytokines are regulated by ovarian steroids. They mediate embryo growth, differentiation and immune-re­lated implantation. IL-11 mediates trophoblast invasion and its deficiency is related to a reduction in endometrial natural killer (NK) cells. In the window of implantation (WOI), NK cells are the most represented immune cells,being critical regulators of angiogenesis, immunotolerance and trophoblast invasion [5].

Four major phases of endometrial transformation make transcriptomic signature in luminal-glandular epithelium lead­ing to abrupt transcriptomic opening of the WOI at single cell level. Decidualization is initiated before the opening of the WOI and direct interplay between stromal fibroblasts and lym­phocytes is found during decidualization [6]. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), produced by the blastocysts, prolongs the WOI by inhibiting endometrial insulin-like growth factor-bind­ing protein -1 (IGFBP-1) production. It augments angiogene­sis at the implantation site by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, modulating local cytokine and chemokine expression, local protease activity and inva­sion potential. Preimplantation factors (PIFs) were secreted in 77.6% of all successful implantations. All PIF-negative embry­os failed to implant (Table 1).

Estradiol and progesterone

Estradiol and progesterone are the basic hormones regulat­ing endometrial receptivity. Cyclical ovarian-derived steroid hormones are central for programming cellular responses and normal endometrial function. The master regulators of preg­nancy success are the endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSFs). Estradiol “extensively affected eSF DNA (deoxyribonuclear acid) methylome and transcriptome. [Estradiol] resulted in a more open versus closed chromatin, confirmed by histone mod­ification analysis” [7]. Steroid hormones regulate genes in the endometrium. The estradiol/progesterone ratio plays a critical role in this. If the hormone response is abnormal, infertility can result. Interaction of steroid hormones with a second genome (epigenome) to regulate gene expression is a mechanism not fully understood. Important genes influencing successful im­plantation include: connexin 43 (Cx43), dickkopf 1, glycode­lin, homeobox A10, Integrin α V β 3, interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), leukemia inhibiting factor, progesterone receptor β, prolactin, retinol binding protein 4, transducer of Erb B2, and vascular endothelial VEGF-A [8]. The “decidual“ program includes up­regulation of stromal ER-α, PRs, Cx43 gap junction proteins. Also, ovarian hormones regulate ion channels involved in the regulation of uterine electrolyte and fluid transport, promoting decidualization and regulation of genes associated with the process of implantation. Ca 2+ channels may play a role in blas­tocyst adhesion in the endometrium [9].

Progesterone modulates maternal immune responses (pro­tection of the semiallogenic fetus), improves utero-placental circulation and vasodilatation, decreases apoptosis, promotes extravillous trophoblast invasion in the maternal decidua, re­modeling the local vasculature, suppresses the fetal immuno­placental inflammatory response, decreases uterine contrac­tions, and induces cervix ripening [10]. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), derived from uterine stromal cells, is upregulatd by the action of progesterone. When progesterone and KGF2 levels drop, the blood supply of the endometrium and muscle layers decreases [11]. Progesterone protects ovarian function against ischemic reperfusion injury through antiapoptotic and antioxidative properties [12].

Glucose/insulin

Insulin is detected at the 4-cell blastocyst stage. Even ordi­nary but ill-timed excessive glucose intake could be a cause of implantation failure, spontaneous pregnancy loss and congeni­tal abnormalities [13,14]. Primary signaling pathways include the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF), TOR, and sirtuin net­works which alter mitochondrial function and metabolic activ­ity via genome proteostasis [15]. Hyperinsulinism decreases the number of insulin receptors and IGF receptors, as well as levels of IGFBP-1 and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The hyperinsulinism that is a consequence of insulin resistance (IR) involving plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which in­hibits plasminogen activator and subsequent fibrinolysis, has potential thromboembolic effects. Increased androstenedione (induced by hyperinsulinism) inhibits cell growth and activi­ty. Glycodelin secretion inhibits endometrial immune response to the embryo. Increased testosterone decreases HOXA10 (essential for the implantation). IGFBP-1 facilitates adhesive progress at the fetoplacental interface. Also, insulin is able to act centrally, modulating the centers involved in reproduction: the KYDN neurons and gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gn­RH)-secreting neurons [16]. Dodd et al. [17] showed that glucose, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin and androgens influenced GABA, which regulates apetite and estradiol balance. Hyper­insulinism can be one of the causative factors for anovuation, and lower progesterone levels in the luteal phase and in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Genazzani et al. [18] showed that administration of acetyl-L-car­nitine, L-carnitine, L-arginine and N-acetylcysteine improved hyperinsulinism, supporting the hypothesis that liver function is impaired in hyperinsulinemic women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Morin-Pepunen et al. [19] described improved expression/synthesis of the hepatic insulin degrading enzymes (IDEs), which are responsible for at least 70-80% of insulin clear­ance. Carvalho et al. [20] confirmed that L arginine improves insu­lin sensitivity in beta cell function in the offspring of dibetic rats through Akt and PDX-1 activation. Both L-arginine and N acetyl carnitine donate thiol groups, while reactive oxidative glutathione improves nitric oxide synthesis leading to protection of endotheli­al cells and improving insulin sensitivity [21].

The carnitines, as well as other components, reduce the effects of the free radicals, and can stabilize the genome as well as the cellular membranes. A study by Varnagy et al. [22] showed that a state of carnitine deficiency may be related to the numbers of ovum produced during IVF procedures. The study examines the levels of the carnitines in the follicular fluid and whether the state of deficiency can be prevented. Virmani et al. [23] also looked at strategies to reduce the issues of aneuploidy. They showed that intra-follicular ischemia and hypoxia nega­tively influenced spindle organization and chromosomal segre­gation in the human oocyte and that this can be reduced by the L-carninitine, L- arginine, inositol formulation.

Energy metabolism in cells is altered when hyperinsulin­ism is treated with metformin, as this lowers glucose levels by inhibiting hepatic neoglucogenesis and opposing actions of glucagon, and by inhibiting IGF-1 insulin signaling through AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of IRS-1, which transmits signals from insulin and IGF-1 receptors to the PI3K-AKT pathway. The inhibition of mitochondrial complex 1 of the electron transport chain induces a drop in energy charge, re­sulting in adenosine triphosphate decrease (ATP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) increases binding P-site adenylate cyclase enzyme and inhibition of activity leading to defective cAMP protein kinase A (CAMPK) signaling on glucagon re­ceptor [24]. AMPK, an energy sensor, is a master coordinator of an integrated signaling network that comprises metabolic and growth pathways and works to restore cellular energy bal­ance, switching on catabolic pathways that generate ATP and switching off anabolic ATP-consuming pathways. Metformin can induce weight loss, reducing PAI-1; it also inhibits platelet aggregation, reduces inflammatory cytokine level and adhesion molecules ICAM1 and VCAM [25], decreases androgens, IR, glycodelin, IGF-1 protein expression and improves endometri­al function and receptivity.

Bearing in mind the detrimental effects of hyperinsulinism on endometrial receptivity, we suggested that the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) be routinely performed at 8 a.m. by oral ingestion of 75 gr of glucose, with glycemia and insulin detec­tion performed 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes later. The area under the curve has to be calculated because the HOMA (ho­meostatis assessment) index has a very limited value. Hyper­insulinism and IR have to be treated by an adequate metformin dose at least 3-6 months preconceptionally or later, during the pregnancy, with a proper dietary regimen, in order to avoid miscarrigies [26].

Cortisol, prolactin and stressors

Stressors increase levels of corticoreleasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol and prolactin. Increased CRH supresses GnRH pulse secretion, decreasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol. Hypoestrogenism affects contraction of the uter­ine basal and spiral arteries, followed by a rise in a periph­eral vascular resistance. Stressors decrease PGE2 release, and vasoconstriction potentiated by angiotensin II, nitric oxide, acetylcholine and serotonin [27]. The systemic sympathetic adre­nomedullary system is involved (increased norepinephrine, CRH, IL-6), dyscoagulation and inflammation. The gene on­tologies of stress-repressed genes strongly suggested that stress influences expression of genes related to the metabolome, which include the leptin receptor gene. Similar to LIF, leptin is a pleiotropic and ubiquitous cytokine that plays a critical role in the reproductive function and increases levels of LIF and its re­ceptors. It is produced and secreted by blastocysts. Calmodulin, the primary mediator of Ca 2+-dependent signaling, enhances the stability of the estrogen receptor (ER). An association was found between repressed response to estradiol and reduction of leptin signals and calmodulin. Stressors altered uterine gene expression through an ovarian-independent pathway resulting in decreased uterine receptivity [28]. The mTOR serine/threonine protein kinase pathway regulates cell growth and proliferation. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of TOR and a macrolide immune suppressor, inhibits activation of follicles by regulation of the mTOR/sirtun signaling pathway, protects ovarian reserve, and extends the reproductive age [29].

Zhao et al. showed that retraint-induced stress inhibits mouse implantation by impairing uterine receptivity and down­regulation of estradiol, progesterone and heparin-binding epi­dermal growth factor [30]. Dong et al. found that fertility stressors (depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances) negatively affected sex hormone and neuroimmmunological function [31]. The findings of this study were confirmed by those of Engert et al., who showed that stressors can excite catecholemine alpha receptors causing vasoconstriction and reducing blood flow [32]. In a group of 300 infertile women, they found reduced endometrial and subendometrial flow due to changes in the hypothalamus-pitui­tary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic adrenomedullary system. Increased levels of glucocorticoids and catecholamines were confirmed by Taskewi et al. [33]. Fertility stressors are not as­sociated with endometrial thickness. Endometrial receptivity is decreased due to lowered endometrial flow. Cortisol concentration can be elevated in the endometrium, whereas 11 β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) 2 expres­sion is diminished. In endometrial biopsies performed in PCOS patients with IR, Qi et al. found that cortisol-attenuated insu­lin-stimulated glucose uptake in EECs was mediated by inhi­bition of Akt phosphorylation and glucose transporter type 4 translocation via induction of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) [34]. Decreased oxidation of cortisol and defects of insulin signaling in the endometrium were observed in PCOS with IR. The exessive cortisol level de­rived from the reduction of 11 β HSD2 might contribute to the development of endometrial IR by inhibiting the insulin signa­ling pathway via induction of PTEN expression. Their in vitro study suggested a detrimental role of cortisol on insulin sensi­tivity in the endometrium. 11 β HSD2 only has an oxidase func­tion, converting active cortisol to inactive cortisone [35]. Some studies have linked endometrial IR to decreased endometrial receptivity and tumorigenesis [36]. In infertile women, Wdowiak et al. showed higher levels of cortisol and prolactin, decreasing preovulatory LH peak and postovulatory estradiol [37].

Growth hormone

The major growth factor family includes the epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor, insulin growth factor (IGF), tissue growth factor, and heparin-binding growth factor, as well as amphiregulin and neuregulin, members of the EGF family.

Growth hormone (GH) has been shown to improve in vitro fertilization due to its stimulatory effects on oocyte quality. Ad­ditional positive effects can be seen on endometrial receptivity [38]. A receptive endometrium is favorable for embryo adhesion and the subsequent attachment and invasion process. GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) are expressed in the endo­metrium. Lower stromal expression of GH in «luteal phase de­fect» (progesterone below 8 ng/ml) delayed endometrial mat­uration. GH, both directly and in an IGF-I mediated manner, induces human endometrial cells to promote proliferation, vas­cularization and up-regulation of receptivity-related genes such as VEGF and integrin β 3 (biomarkers of receptivity) [39]. VEGF is important in angiogenesis, acting in an autocrine manner on endometrial epithelial cell adhesion as a key regulator in the implantation process. GH has stimulatory effects on ovarian steroidogenic cell function and maintaince of the corpus lute­um. Dakhly et al. showed that addition of 7.5 IU/day of GH from day 6 of HMG until the day of hCG triggering improved fertility rate in women over 45 years of age and with FSH>20 IU/L [40], whilst Liu’s study in women 20-40 years of age and with poor quality embryos treated them with 2-4 IU/daily from day 2 of the previous cycle (6 weeks GH pretreatment) [41]. Liu et al. showed that rGH treatment of mice with premature ovari­an insufficiency reduced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) histopathology in ovarian tissue, relieved ovarian granulosa cell injury, reduced the number of atretic follicles and increased the number of mature oocytes [42]. GH may promote ovarian tissue repair, estradiol release and oocyte maturation via acti­vation of the Notch-1 signaling pathway in ovarian tissue. The Notch signaling pathway has a critical role in the development and homeostasis of tissue by regulating pathology, prolifera­tion, differentiation, apoptosis and stem cell self-renewal.

Melatonin

Circardian rhythm dysregulation followed by low mela­tonin is associated with a low implantation rate [43]. Melatonin receptors 1A and 1B are localized by immunohistochemistry in glandular epithelial cells on endometrial biopsies [44]. Mela­tonin promotes mitochondrial homeostasis by regulating mo­lecular DNA and mtDNA transcriptional activities. The supra­chiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus coordinates the clock mechanism in peripheral tissue (lung, heart, kidney, pancreas, non-pregnant uterus). The cellular clock oscillates depending on daily timing through autoregulation transcriptional/trans­lational feedback loops in which the heterodimer BMAL1/ CLOCK drives the expression of period (Per) and cryptochrome genes. Loss of Per 2 expression by siRNA knock down per­turbed circardian oscillations in decidualizing human endome­trial stromal cells, affecting mitotic expansion by blocking the G2/M phase, which is positively associated with misscarriages. Melatonin treatment attenuated estradiol-induced endometrial epithelial cell proliferation in culture. Also, melatonin therapy decreases pain score. With its autocoid, chronobiotic, hypnot­ic, immunomodultive factors and biological modulator capac­ity melatonin improves fertility rate in women with premature ovarian insufficiency [45].

DHEA

DHEA affects the activity of 21 hydroxylase and 11 β hy­droxylase, responsible for cortisol synthesis from precursors 17 OH progesterone and 11-deoxycortisol. Dehydroepiandroster­one (DHEA) is a peripheral estrogen and androgen precursor, adrenal enzyme regulator, 5 α reductase stimulator, pituitary beta endorphin stimulator, pituitary sensitizer and neurosteroid [46]. It increases lipolysis and glucose uptake, and decreases ad­ipocyte differentiation, adipocyte tissue mass and 11 βHSD1 activation. Increased cortisol/DHEAS has been found to poten­tiate metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes mellitus, osteopo­rosis, neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular diseases. DHEA increases T lymphocyte infiltration, resulting in a de­cline of CD4+TLy and upregulation of CD8+TLy. DHEA can enhance the T helper 1 immune response and regulates balance of the Th1/Th2 response. The products of Th1 are interferon γ and TNF. It regulates antigen presentation and immunity against intracellular pathology. DHEA treatment can increase selective T Ly infiltration in mice, resulting in decline of the CD4+T Ly population and upregulation of the CD8TLy pop­ulation [47]. DHEA is converted into estradiol which suppress­es FSH. DHEA increases testosterone production by the very early follicles stimulating androgen receptors, allowing more preantral follicles to progress to more mature antral follicles [48].

Our study performed in 820 women with POI showed low­er DHEAS in a group aged 30-40 years, compared with women 20-30 years old. This represents an additional factor influenc­ing lower endometrial receptivity rate [49].

Thyroid gland hormones

Thyroid hormones increase lipid metabolism, thermogen­esis, and lipolytic activity due to increased beta 2 adrenergic receptor expression and cAMP-activated hormone-sensitive lipase activity. Thyroid-releasing hormone directly affects the ovaries, increases prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH receptors are present on immature oocytes [50]. Higher postovulatory estradiol levels decrease thyroxin and increase TSH, in stimulated cycles (ovulation induction). In hypothyroidism, GnRH secretion and peripheral estradiol me­tabolism are disturbed, pulsatility of LH is abnormal, prolactin is increased, and hemostasis is defective. Free steroid fractions, excretion of 2-oxyestrogens and peripheral aromatization are increased [51].

In order to improve endometrial receptivity, TSH levels of 1-2.5 mmol/L are advised for at least 3-6 months preconcep­tually.

Adenomyosis

Endometrial receptivity and implantation failure in adeno­myosis can be induced by: aberrant endometrial metabolism (altered endometrial steroid metabolism, abnormal inflamma­tory response, alteration of ER and PR expression), altered uterine oxidative stress environment (abnormal levels of free radicals, low oxygen), lack of expression of adhesion mole­cules (integrin, cadherin, selectin), reduced expression of im­plantation markers (LIF, NF-kBm IL-6) and altered function of the genes for embryo development (HOXA10). The HOXA genes influencing the development of Mullerian ducts are: HOXA9 oviduct, HOXA10, HOXA11 uterus, HOXA13 cer­vix, and HOXA13 upper vagina. Exposure of the embryo to thalidomide, infectome agents or ionizing radiation affects the uterine morphology by triggering changes in both the location and amount of HOXA expression [52].

Endometriosis

“The internal pelvic organs receive nerve supply from the autonomic nervous system, sympathetic, and parasym­pathetic nervous system. Autonomic T11 and T12 innervate the uterus, and it derives its sympathetic nerve supply from the hypogastric plexus, and the parasympathetic supply is from S2 to S4” [53].

Endometriosis is an inherited, autoimmune life-long dis­ease [26]. In order to achieve pregnancy, endometriosis has to be treated continuously from the time of diagnosis confirmation until the time of ovulation induction.

As reported by others “[progesterone] responses were abber­ant in early and late stage endometriosis, and mapping differen­tially methylated CpG sites with progesterone receptor targets from the literature revealed different but not decreased [pro­gesterone targets], leading to question the [progesterone]-“re­sistant” phenotype in endometriosis. Interestingly, aberrant [es­tradiol] response was noted in eSF from endometriosis women; (...) Steroid hormones affected specific genomic contexts and locations, significantly enriching enhancers and intergenic re­gions and minimally involving proximal promoters and CpG islands, regardless of hormone type and eSF disease state; (...) In eSF from women with endometriosis, aberrant hormone-in­duced methylation signatures were mainly due to existing DNA methylation marks prior to hormone treatments and involved known endometriosis genes and pathways. (...) Distinct DNA methylation and transcriptomic signatures revealed [that] ear­ly and late stage endometriosis comprise unique disease sub­types” [7]. Hormone-epigenome-transcriptome interplay of each steroid hormones was detected in normal SF and aberrant estra­diol response. Moreover, environmental and inflammatory sig­nals can alter steroid hormone-driven endometrial epigenome.

Chronic inflammation affects the chromatin landscape in endometriosis [54]. Morelli et al. found lower levels of acetate citrate, beta hydroxybutyrate and valine in women with endo­metriosis [55].

Inflammatory mediators impair decidual function. Estradi­ol, progesterone and cAMP, mediated by connexins, influence prolactin and IGFBP-1. IL-1β produces classical endometrio­sis symptoms, pronounces angiogenesis (VEGF) and invasive­ness, and reduces Cx43 expression via ERK1/2 pathway [56]. ERK inhibition stimullates decidualized morphology (Table 2).
Machairiotis et al. found increased monocyte chemotaxis, neurogenesis and fibrosis [57]. NF-kB is prominent in the IL-1β signaling pathway. Pluchino et al. found a lack of HSD17β2 expression in endometriosis [58]. Progesterone does not block­ade aromatase expression.

Xu et al. showed that oocytes from women with mild en­dometriosis exhibited abnormal mitochondrial structures and decreased mitochondrial mass [59]. Glutathione peroxidase 3 and thyoredoxin binding protein 2 negatively correlated with the percentage of mature oocytes. Other authors reported a pos­sible imbalance in the thiol-redox system and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the intrafollicular microenviron­ment that may affect the embryo [60].

Oxidative stress is induced by the imbalance in the rate of function and removal of free radicals in patients with endo­metriosis. Giorgi et al. found positive effects of antioxidants,

L-carnitine and N-acetylcysteine in preventing meiotic oocyte damage [61]. Excessive production of the autoantibodies to the endometrium impairs implantation rate and endometrial re­ceptivity. Increased levels of the following factors have been detected: IL-6, IL-8, TNFalpha, atilaminin 1 antibodies, zona pellucida antibodies, beta-2-glycoprotein, cardiolipin, ethanol­amine, thyreoredoxin-binding protein 2, arrested embryo, su­peroxide dismutase 1 in cumulus cells [62].

Autoimmune causes

Endometrial receptivity failure and abortions are thought to be caused by the presence of autoantibodies, already existing in women, against cell membrane, phospholipids, thyroid antigens, nuclear Ag, syncytiotrophoblast cells or against other organelles or tissues. About 10% of the total are antinuclear antibodies, re­gardless of medical history of reccurent pregnancy loss.

Antiphospholipid antibodies are a family of immuno­globulins that react with anions of phospholipids or anions of phospholipid-protein complexes in the cell membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast. They induce vessel thrombosis of the sur­rounding placental maternal unit, placental infarction and fetal death. The primary mechanism in the first trimester depends on deleterious effects directly on trophoblastic cells, inhibition of secretion of human placental chorionic gonadotrophin, and expression of trophoblast cell adhesion molecules (a1, a5 inte­grins, E, VE-cadherins).

Possible actions of antiphospholipid antibodies are: abnor­malities in endothelial cell function vessels, obstructive angiop­athy, platelet stimulation and/or adhesion, placental infarction, inibition of protein C and stimulation of protein S. They inac­tivate clotting factors Va and VIIa. Their stimulation increas­es coagulation, and reduces annexin V, a protein with potent antithrombotic effects on the surface between the trophoblast and the endothelial cells. Phospholipids bind to the surface of trophoblasts and cause direct destruction of cells, inhibition of syncytiotrophoblast formation, decrease of Hcg and defective penetration into maternal tissue.

Increased levels of CD 56+ Ly and NK cells are detected in the secretory phase. Reccurent abortions are associated with immunity type Th1 (IF-γ)+, TNF and IL-12.

Pregnancy and coagulation

Increased procoagulant factors and decreased anticoagulant factors (naturally occuring anticoagulation, reduction of fibrin­ogenolysis, modified maternal response to hemostasis) may lead to malfunction in the fetoplacental unit. Familial throm­bophillia (factor V Leyden mutation, acquired activated pro­tein C resistance, antiphospholipid antibodies syndrome and hypofibrinolysis) contributed to implantation failure and early pregnancy loss [63]. The infiltration of trophoblasts in arcuate arteries is essential for implantation, placentation and regular continuation of pregnancy. Thrombosis of spiral arteries and the intervillous space on the maternal side of the placenta can impair placental perfusion [64].

5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase catalyzes the conversion of 5,10 methylentetrahydrofolic acid to 5-meth­yltetrahydrofolic acid (this takes part in the methylation of homocysteine in methyonine). Substitution of the cytosome molecule by a thymine molecule at position 677 increases the incidence of homocysteine and thrombophilia. Reduced MTH­FR activity and hyperhomocystinemia are clinically manifest­ed when lack of folic acid coexists.

Elevated PAI activity is detected in genetic and metabolic disorders, IR, hypertension and smoking. PAI-1 is the major physiological inhibitor of plasminogen activator, and it plays a central role in fibrinolysis. Polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene is associated with high levels of PAI and reduced fibrinolytic activity. 4G homozygosity has been associated with the com­plications such as implantation failure, preeclampsia, prenatal intrauterine growth, placental death.

Diagnostic procedures in clinical practice

  • Day 2-5 of menstrual cycle: FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, inhibin B, prolactin, cortisol, GH, DHEAS, testosterone, androsten­dione, 17 OH progesterone, fT4, TSH, vitamin D, karyotype, anticardiolipin Ab, beta 2 glycoprotein Ab, thyroglobulin Ab, thyroperoxidase Ab, lupus anticoagulant, homocysteine, PAI, MTHFR, factor V Leyden, prothrombin G20210A.
  • OGTT with 75 gr of glucose ingestion at 8 a.m. after 12-hour starvation. After glucose ingestion, blood samples are taken immediately and then at half hourly intervals during 2 hours, to measure glucose and insulin.
  • 21 and 24. Day of cycle: estradiol and progesterone.

Advised therapy approach

  • Full understanding, psychological support and empathy;
  • Natural progesterone in a case of insufficient luteal phase (200 mg orally or vaginally at bedtime from day 14-25th day of the cycle)
  • Estroprogestogens for women with ovarian insufficiency (premature ovarian failure, early menopause, etc.)
  • Dopamine agonists for hyperprolactinemia
  • Prednisolone 10-20 mg/day: may prevent recycling in the cir­culation of cardiolipin or suspend the discharge of embryo­toxic factors or factors associated with HLA; lowers NK (CD 56+/CD16+) cells.
  • Aspirin 100 mg should be given preconceptionally. It may suspend cyclooxygenase action on platelets by suspending the composition of thromboxane thrombosis and thus preventing vascular thrombosis in placental blood vessels.
  • Heparin: heparin of low molecular weight prevents chorion­ic villous sampling phospholipids from being destroyed by assisting in the successful implantation in the early stages of pregnancy.
  • Ca: 500 mg, vitamin D 1000 mg
  • Metformin: decreases androgens, improves endometrial func­tion and implantation, decreases IR; glycodelin and IGF-1 protein expression is corrected.
  • Folic acid: 0.5-2 mg for normalizing homocysteine level
  • L-arginine, L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine
  • Melatonin 2 mg at bedtime
  • Anxiolytics in low doses
  • Sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of 5-phosphodiesterase, an enzyme included in cGMP hydrolization, decreases NK cell activity [65]. Vaginal suppositories 25 mg every 6 hours is sug­gested in the proliferative phase [66].
  • Intralipid 20% intravenously (9 mg/ml total blood volume) cor­responds to 2 ml of intralipid 20% diluted in 250 mg saline [67].

Conclusion

The complex interplay between genetic, environmental, endocrine, immunological, psychological and hematological parameters needs to be clarified and tested in order to arrive at a more complete understanding of the etiology of impaired endometrial receptivity.
A complete diagnostic procedure is needed. It is advisable to treat all detected irregularities for at least 6 months precon­ceptionally. Prevention of many diseases later in life starts with detection of the etiological factors underlying impaired endo­metrial receptivity and therapeutic improvement of the same.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by authors.

Media

Table 1
Table 1 Factors influencing implantation rate.
Table 2
Table 2 Parameters increased in endometriosis.

References

  1. Lessey BA. Assessment of endometrial receptivity. Fertil Steril.2011;96:522-9.
  2. Guzeloglu-Kayisli O, Kayisli UA, Taylor HS. The role of growth factors and cytokines during implantation: endocrine and paracrine
    interactions. Semin Reprod Med. 2009;27:62-79.
  3. Thouas GA, Dominguez F, Green M et al. Soluble ligands and their receptors in human embryo development and implantation. Endocr Rev. 2015;36:92-13.
  4. Mesiano S. Endocrinology of human pregnancy and fetal-placental neuroendocrine development. In: Strauss JF, Barbieri RL, eds. Yen and Jaffe’s Reproductive Endocrinology (Eighth Edition). Elsevier; 2019:256-83.
  5. Wang C, Umesaki N, Nakamura H, et al. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor by granulated metrial gland cells in pregnant murine uteri. Cell Tissue Res. 2000;300:285-93.
  6. Wang PX, Zhao GN, Ji YX, et al. Wang et al. reply. Nat Med. 2018;24:700-1.
  7. Houshdaran S, Oke AB, Fung JC, Vo KC, Nezhat C, Giudice LC. Steroid hormones regulate genome-wide epigenetic programming and gene transcription in human endometrial cells with marked aberrancies in endometriosis. PLoS Genet. 2020;16:e1008601.
  8. Taylor R. Does inflammation perturb the embryo-endometrium dialogue? Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology and Metabolism 2020; Supplement 1 – Book of abstracts (SYMP17) – p. 37.
  9. Ruan YC, Chen H, Chan HC. Ion channels in the endometrium regulation of endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Hum Reprod Update. 2014;20:517-29.
  10. Fujii T. Role of angiogenic factors in pathophysiology of Preeclampsia.
    Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology and Metabolism 2020; Supplement 1 – Book of abstracts (MTE11) – p. 72.
  11. Slayden OD, Rubin JS, Lacey DL, Brenner RM. Effects of keratinocyte growth factor in the endometrium of rhesus macaques during the luteal-follicular transition. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000;85:275-85.
  12. Güleç Başer B, İslimye Taşkın M, Adalı E, Öztürk E, Hısmıoğulları AA, Yay A. Does progesterone have protectice effects on ovarian ischemic-reperfusion injury? J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2018;19:87-93.
  13. Naftolin F, Diamond MP, Pinter E, Reece EA, Sanyal MK. A hypothesis concerning the general basis of organogenetic congenital abnormalities. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1987;157:1-4.
  14. Diamond MP, Moley KH, Pellicer A, Vaughn WK, DeCherney AH. Effects of streptozotocin- and alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus on mouse follicular and early embryo development. J Reprod Fertil. 1989;86:1-10.
  15. Zhao B, Koon D, Bethin KE. Identification of transcription factors at the site of implantation in the later stages of murine pregnancy. Reproduction. 2006;131:561-71.
  16. Walters KA, Gilchrist RB, Ledger WL, Teede HJ, Handelsman DJ, Campbell RE. New perspectives on the pathogenesis of PCOS: neuroendocrine origins. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2018;29:841-52.
  17. Dodd GT, Michael NJ, Lee-Young RS, et al. Insulin regulates POMC neuronal plasticity to control glucose metabolism. 2018;7:e38704.
  18. Genazzani AD, Prati A, Genazzani AR, et al. Synergistic effects of the integrative administration of acetyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine, L-arginine and N-acetyl-cysteine on metabolic dynamics and on hepatic insulin extraction in overweight/obese patients with PCOS. Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2020;1:56-6.
  19. Morin-Papunen LC, Vauhkonen I, Koivunen RM, Ruokonen A, Tapanainen JS. Insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and metabolic and hormonal parameters in healthy women and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2000;15:1266-74.
  20. Carvalho DS, Diniz MM, Haidar AA, et al. L-Arginine supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and beta cell function in the offspring of diabetic rats through AKT and PDX-1 activation. Eur J Pharmacol. 2016;791:780-7.
  21. Stark R, Reichenbach A, Andrews ZB. Hypothalamic carnitine metabolism integrates nutrient and hormonal feedback to regulate energy homeostasis. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2015;418 Pt 1:9-16.
  22. Várnagy A, Bene J, Sulyok E, Kovács GL, Bódis J, Melegh B. Acylcarnitine esters profiling of serum and follicular fluid in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2013;11:67.
  23. Virmani A, Diedenhofen A, Zerelli S. Mitochondriotropic compounds in energy, oxidative stress and inflammation: role in reproductive health, fertility and successful pregnancy. Giorn It Ost Gin. 2014:36:293-6.
  24. Miller RA, Birnbaum RJ. An energetic tale of AMPK-independent effects of metformin J Clin Invest. 2010;120:2267-70.
  25. Glueck CJ, Fontaine RN, Wang P, et al. Metformin reduces weight, centripetal obesity, insulin, leptin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in nondiabetic, morbidly obese subjects with body mass index greater than 30. Metabolism. 2001;50:856-61.
  26. Vujović S, Ivovic M, Tančić-Gajić M, et al. Endometrium receptivity in premature ovarian insufficiency – how to improve fertility rate and predict diseases? Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018;34:1011-5.
  27. Bernatova I, Csizmadiova Z, Kopincova J, Puzserova A. Vascular function and nitric oxide production in chronic social-stress-exposed rats with various family history of hypertension. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007;58:487-501.
  28. Kondoh E, Okamoto T, Higuchi T, et al. Stress affects uterine receptivity through an ovarian independent pathway. Hum Reprod. 2009;4:945-53.
  29. Knipe AC. Organic Reaction Mechanisms 2013: an annual survey covering the literature dated January to December 2013. John Wiley & Sons; 2016.
  30. Zhao LH, Cui XZ, Yuan HJ, et al. Restraint stress inhibits mouse implantation: temporal window and the involvement of HB-EGF, estrogen and progesterone. PLoS One. 2013;8:e80472.
  31. Dong Y, Cai Y, Zhang Y, Xing Y, Sun Y. The effect of fertility stress in endometrial and subendometrial blood flow among infertile women. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2017;15:15.
  32. Engert V, Vogel S, Efanov SI, et al. Investigation into the cross-correlation of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase responses to psychological stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2011;36:1294-302.
  33. Tasker JG, Herman JP. Mechanisms of rapid glucocorticoid feedback inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Stress. 2011;14:398-406.
  34. Qi Y, Wang W, Zhu Q, et al. Local cortisol elevation contributes to endometrial insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103:2457-67.
  35. Chapman K, Holmes M, Seckl J. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases: intracellular gate-keepers of tissue glucocorticoid action. Physiol Rev. 2013;93:1139-206.
  36. Haoula Z, Salman M, Atiomo W. Evaluating the association between endometrial cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2012;27:1327-31.
  37. Wdowiak A, Raczkiewicz D, Janczyk P, Bojar I, Makara-Studzińska M, Wdowiak-Filip A. Interactions of cortisol and prolactin with other selected menstrual cycle hormone affecting the chances of conception of infertile women. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17:7537.
  38. Altmäe S, Aghajanova L. Growth hormone and endometrial receptivity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:653.
  39. Cui N, Li AM, Luo ZY, et al. Effects of growth hormone on pregnancy rates of patients with thin endometrium. J Endocrinol Invest. 2019;42:27-35.
  40. Dakhl DMR, Bayoumi YA, Gad Allah SH. Which is the best IVF/ICSI protocol to be used in poor responder receiving growth hormone as an adjuvant treatment: a prospective randomized trial. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2016;32:116-9.
  41. Liu X, Bai H, Xie J, Shi J. Growth hormone co-treatment on controlled ovarian stimulation in normal ovarian response women can improve embryo quality.  Gynecol Endocrinol. 2019;35:787-91.
  42. Liu T, Wang S, Zhang L, et al. Growth hormone treatment of premature ovarian failure in a mouse model via stimulation of the Notch-1 signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med. 2016;12:215-21.
  43. Chuffa LGA, Lupi LA, Cucielo MS, Silveira HS, Reiter RJ, Seiva FRF. Melatonin promotes uterine and placental health: potentially molecular mechanism. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;21:300.
  44. Mosher AA, Tsoulis MW, Lim J. et al. Melatonin activity and receptor expression in endometrial tissue and endometriosis. Hum Reprod. 2019;34:1215-24.
  45. Dragojević-Dikić S, Mitrovic Jovanovic A, Dikic S, Jovanovic T, Jurisic A, Dobrosavljevic A. Melatonin: a “Higgs boson” in human reproduction. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015;31:92-101.
  46. Genazzani AR, Pluchino N. DHEA therapy in postmenopausal women: the need to move forward beyond the lack of evidence. Climacteric. 2010;13:314-6.
  47. Zhang J, Qiu X, Gui Y, Xu Y, Li D, Wang L. Dehydroepiandrosterone improves the ovarian reserve of women with diminished ovarian reserve and is a potential regulator of the immune response in the ovaries. Biosci Trends. 2015;9:350-9.
  48. Mamas L, Mamas E. Premature ovarian failure and dehydroepiandrosterone. Fertil Steril. 2009;91:644-6.
  49. Vujovic S. Adrenal aging in premature ovarian insufficiency. Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology and Metabolism 2020; Supplement 1 – Book of abstracts (MTE07) – p.68.
  50. Krassas GE, Poppe K, Glinoer D. Thyroid function and human reproductive health. Endocr Rev. 2010;31:702-55.
  51. Redmond GP. Thyroid dysfunction and women’s reproductive health. Thyroid. 2004;14 Suppl 1:S5-15.
  52. Tsikoura P, Defteteou T, Anthoulaki X et al. (June 25th 2019). Abortions in First Trimester Pregnancy, Management, Treatment, Induced Abortion and Spontaneous Early Pregnancy Loss – Focus on Management, Igor Lakhno, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.86194. Available at: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/67845.
  53. Ameer MA, Fagan SE, Sosa-Stanley JN, Peterson DC. Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, uterus. StatPearls Publishing 2021 [Internet]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470297/.
  54. Al- Sabbagh M, Law EW-F, Brosens JJ. Mechanisms of endometrial progesterone resistance. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2012;358:208-15.
  55. Castiglione Morelli MA, Iuliano A, Schettini SCA, et al. NMR metabolic profiling of follicular fluid for investigating the different causes of female infertility: a pilot study. Metabolomics. 2019;15:19.
  56. Laschke MW, Menger MD. Basic mechanisms of vascularization in endometriosis and their clinical implications. Hum Reprod Update. 2018;24:207-24.
  57. Machairiotis N, Vasilakaki S, Thomakos N. Inflammatory mediators and pain in endometriosis: a systematic review. Biomedicines. 2021;9:54.
  58. Osiński M, Mostowska A, Wirstlein P, Skrzypczak J, Jagodziński PP, Szczepańska M. Involvement of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type gene 1 937 A>G polymorphism in infertility in Polish Caucasian women with endometriosis. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2017;34:789-94.
  59. Xu B, Guo N, Zhang XM, et al. Oocyte quality is decreased in women with minimal or mild endometriosis. Sci Rep. 2015;5:10779.
  60. Choi YS, Cho S, Seo SK, Park JH, Kim SH, Lee BS. Alteration in the intrafollicular thiol redox system in infertile women with endometriosis. Reproduction. 2015;149:155-62.
  61. Giorgi VS, Da Broi MG, Paz CC, Ferriani RA, Navarro PA. N-acetyl-cysteine and L-carnitine prevent meiotic oocyte damage induced by follicular fluid from infertile women with mild endometriosis. Reprod Sci. 2016;23:342-51.
  62. Fadhlaoui A, Bouquet de la Jolinière J, Feki A. Endometriosis and infertility: how and when to treat? Front Surg. 2014;1:24.
  63. Essah P, Cheang KI, Nestler JE. The pathophysiology of miscarriage in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Review and proposed hypothesis of mechanisms involved. Hormones (Athens). 2004;3:221-7.
  64. Dosiou C, Giudice LC. Natural killer cells in pregnancy and recurrent pregnancy loss: endocrine and immunologic perspectives. Endocr Rev. 2005;26:44-62.
  65. Jerzak M, Kniotek M, Mrozek J, Górski A, Baranowski W. Sildenafil citrate decreased natural killer cell activity and enhanced chance of successful pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Fertil Steril. 2008;90:1848-53.
  66. Sher G, Fisch JD. Effect of vaginal sildenafil on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) after multiple IVF failures attributed to poor endometrial development. Fertil Steril. 2002;78:1073-6.
  67. Roussev RG, Acacio B, Ng SC, Coulam CB. Duration of intralipid’s suppressive effect on NK cell’s functional activity. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2008;60:258-63.

Keywords: , , , ,

Citation: Vujović S.,Ivovic M.,Tančić-Gajić M.,Marina L.,Arizanovic Z.,Djogo A.,et al. Detection and treatment of some endometrial receptivity disorders – a way to improve fertility rates, GREM Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology & Metabolism (2021); Volume 2 - 3/2021:140-147 doi: 10.53260/GREM.212032

Published: December 13, 2021